BTDubs Podcast

The IEP process can feel impossible to navigate—especially when no one teaches parents what to ask for, what their child is legally entitled to, or how to push back when a school district cuts corners. In this episode of The Mom Panel on BTDubs Podcast, Jackie, Michelle, Jill, and Tiesha break down what families need to know about special education, IEP meetings, and school evaluations, including why a quick screener isn’t the same as a full assessment and how federal special education law impacts what schools must provide.

Michelle shares real-world insight from her first client IEP meeting and explains key concepts parents hear all the time—like FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), Child Find, LRE (Least Restrictive Environment), accommodations, goals, and what meaningful progress should look like. We also talk about how parents can get “wait and see” or “we don’t see it at school” responses, why kids can mask behaviors in the classroom, and why documenting concerns matters.

Plus, the conversation expands into real-life parenting: screen time, behavior changes, how technology affects kids’ frustration tolerance, and how overwhelmed parents can still find ways to show up for their child’s needs—without shame.

If you’re a parent of a child with learning differences, ADHD, autism, behavioral challenges, or you’re simply wondering whether your child needs support at school, this episode will give you language, confidence, and next steps.

In this episode, we cover:

• What to expect in an IEP meeting and how to advocate for your child
• Screeners vs. full evaluations (and why assessments matter)
• How to request an evaluation using Child Find
• IEP goals, progress monitoring, and what schools are required to do
• General education vs. resource support vs. special education settings (LRE)
• Screen time, behavior, and why kids act different at home vs. school

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Welcome to The Mom Panel, where real moms talk about the wild, the weird, and the wonderful sides of parenting. 💕

In this week’s episode, we meet Auntie Taibella — a hilarious, outspoken, and inspiring woman who decided to become a mom completely on her own. Her journey through IVF, embryo adoption, and solo motherhood is equal parts funny, raw, and jaw-dropping. From unexpected twists to laugh-out-loud moments, this episode proves there’s no single path to family.

🎙️ Watch if you love:

Real talk about fertility and motherhood

Stories of women doing it their way

Laughter, honesty, and a sprinkle of chaos

✨ Topics you’ll hear:

What it really means to adopt an embryo

How she found courage to start her family solo

Why motherhood doesn’t have one definition

The funny and emotional truths behind IVF life

Join hosts Jackie, Michelle, Jill, and Tiesha as they welcome Auntie Taibella into the Mom Panel circle for one unforgettable conversation full of heart and humor.

Follow us on Instagram at: The_Mom_Panel for a chance at winning a $25 giftcard to www.taibellabamboo.com

Today's Show Links:

Auntie TaiBella's Website:
www.taibellabamboo.com

Find her on Facebook Group: Tai Bella Bamboo

TikTok: TaiBellaBamboo

WhatNot App: https://whatnot.com/invite/taibellabamboo

👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly mom-life discussions and relatable laughs!
#TheMomPanel #SingleMomByChoice #EmbryoAdoption #FunnyMomPodcast #MotherhoodUnfiltered #IVFJourney #PodcastForMoms #MomHumor #ParentingPodcast #WomenEmpowerment #TheMomPanelPodcast #MomLifeUncensored

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Feeling guilty for wanting five minutes alone? Same. In this candid Mom Panel episode, Jackie, Michelle, Jill, and Tiesha get real about mom guilt and the essential role of me-time in preventing burnout. We talk bedtime routines that create breathing room, early-morning resets, realistic micro breaks (hello, 10-minute walk), and reframing self-care as the fuel that makes you a better parent and partner—not a selfish act.

You’ll also hear a sweet peek into family traditions (Rosh Hashanah, apple picking), how to prep siblings for a new baby with 1:1 time, and why two things can be true: you love your kids deeply and you need a break. We close with a reminder that you matter—your mental health, your marriage/partnership, and your identity beyond motherhood.

What you’ll learn

• How to reframe me-time so it actually reduces guilt
• Micro me-time ideas that fit busy days (5–15 minutes)
• Bedtime and morning routines that create consistent breathing room
• Making space for your partner and each child without adding hours to the day
• Signs you’re overdue for a reset (impatience, snap responses, simmering burnout)
• Simple language to explain early bedtimes/daylight changes to kids

Callouts from the convo

• “Two things can be true: devoted mom and me-time.”
• “If you don’t pause, burnout does the pausing for you.”
• “Me-time is how I show up better for my family.”

Resources mentioned
– Weekly therapy/care hour as a standing appointment
– Early bedtime windows for kids to protect adult recharge time
– 10-minute walk + quick friend call = fast nervous-system reset

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Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at:  [email protected]

This week on The Mom Panel, we talk about breaking generational cycles and healing while raising our children. From cultural patterns and family expectations to mom guilt, judgment, and emotional triggers, we explore what it really means to parent differently from how we were raised. The conversation dives into awareness, self-regulation, and grace—how we can do better without shaming those who came before us. Real stories, honest insights, and a reminder that healing ourselves is part of raising emotionally healthy kids.

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The discussion delves into the complexities of parenting, focusing on the differences between punishment and discipline. It highlights personal experiences and reflections from various parents on how they were disciplined as children and how they are striving to change those patterns with their own kids. The conversation covers the effects of punishment leading to shame and fear, and the importance of discipline aiming for long-term positive behavior. It touches on the personal struggles of acknowledging past trauma, the importance of self-awareness, and the need to approach parenting with empathy and continuous self-improvement. The dialogue also covers the challenges of dealing with children with special needs and the emotional guilt and responsibility parents feel. Emphasis is placed on the importance of forgiving past parental mistakes, self-healing, setting boundaries, and creating a loving environment for children to thrive.

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Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at:  [email protected]

In this powerful episode of The Mom Panel, we unpack the evolution of discipline in parenting, exploring how cultural upbringing, childhood trauma, and modern tools like gentle parenting, self-regulation, and special needs strategies are changing the game.

Our panel of moms dives into deeply personal stories—from old-school punishments to the challenges of raising neurodiverse children with tools like ABA therapy. We discuss the fine line between setting boundaries and emotional validation, what discipline really means today, and how we can guide our kids without guilt, shame, or fear.

If you’ve ever questioned your parenting style, struggled with your child’s behavior, or wondered how to discipline with love and clarity—this one’s for you.

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In this episode, The Panel delves into the complexities of motherhood, particularly the challenges faced after having a baby. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum experiences, including feelings of abandonment, anxiety, and the mental load that mothers carry. The conversation also touches on the societal expectations of motherhood, the impact of social media on self-perception, and the dynamics of intimacy in relationships post-baby. The hosts share personal stories and insights, creating a relatable and supportive dialogue for listeners navigating similar experiences.

Takeaways

Motherhood can bring unexpected feelings of wanting to abandon responsibilities.
Pregnancy brain is a real phenomenon that affects many mothers.
It's essential for mothers to take time for themselves amidst parenting duties.
Postpartum emotions can include rage and anxiety, which are often overlooked.
The mental load of motherhood is a significant burden that often falls on women.
Weaponized incompetence can create tension in relationships and affect intimacy.
Social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy in mothers.
Mothers often juggle multiple roles, including work and household management.
It's important to communicate openly with partners about parenting responsibilities.
Sharing stories of infertility and loss can provide hope and connection for those struggling. 

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Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at:  [email protected]

Welcome to The Mom Panel, the parenting podcast where real moms share real conversations — the laughs, the tears, and everything in between. From Season 1’s deep dives into gentle parenting, burnout, and invisible motherhood, to Season 2’s powerful “to be continued” talks about discipline, communication with preteens, and how play builds bonds, we’ve kept it raw, relatable, and real. 

Did you know The Mom Panel started as a series idea that simulated a Zoom chat between four moms who just wanted connection during nap time? Or that our most replayed episode by our panel (because we laughed so hard) made us almost pause the recording because of mama shenanigans?  And now, with Season 3, we’re raising the bar — more guests, more taboo topics, and yes… more fun.

✨ To celebrate, we’re hosting a huge Instagram giveaway! Follow us on Instagram @The_Mom_Panel to enter for your chance to win (and yes, it’s mom-approved goodies you’ll actually want). Here’s how: 1) Follow our page, 2) Like and comment on the giveaway post, and 3) Tag a fellow mom friend who needs to join our community. Bonus entries if you share in stories! 

Oh, and here’s the best part — only our listeners will hear about the secret surprise tied to this giveaway.  So, whether you’ve been with us since Season 1 or you’re just discovering us now, buckle up — The Mom Panel is the parenting podcast that feels like sitting down with your funniest, realest, most supportive mom-friends.

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This episode discusses the myriad challenges of modern motherhood. The hosts share personal anecdotes about their experiences with mental health struggles, economic stress, burnout, and the lack of intergenerational and community support. They explore how systemic issues like poor maternity leave policies and expensive childcare contribute to these struggles. The conversation also touches on the impacts of social media, with its often idealized portrayals of motherhood, adding pressure on parents. Additionally, they discuss the importance of forming a supportive community, even if it means creating a 'village' from scratch. Topics for future episodes are teased, including feeling invisible, resenting partners, and the guilt of wanting a break from kids.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at:  [email protected]

In this candid and inspiring episode, Tiesha, Jill, and Jackie share their personal journeys of singlehood, the search for “Mr. Right,” and the lessons learned along the way. From navigating relationships to balancing career aspirations and motherhood, each story offers valuable insights into emotional vulnerability, prioritizing healthy partnerships, and the importance of finding someone who truly supports you.

Special highlight is given to Jackie’s path—her experience as a single mother juggling career dreams, education, and raising children, all while staying open to love. She reflects on generational shifts in dating, the impact of technology on building connections, and the resilience it takes to pursue personal goals while parenting solo. Together, the conversations offer hope, relatable wisdom, and a reminder that love can arrive when you least expect it.

This episode isn’t just for mothers—it’s for anyone who has ever caught themselves wondering late at night, “Will I ever meet my Mr. or Mrs. Right?” If you’ve ever questioned whether true love is still out there for you, this conversation just might change your mind.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at:  [email protected]