Discerning Parenting

In this episode, Dr. Victoria Ang Nolasco and teacher Tasha Mendoza tackle one of the most common parenting questions: How do I start teaching my child to read? 

Discover: 

• why readiness is the key to stress-free reading
• how to build a strong foundation with the Rule of Three
• what to avoid when introducing your child to reading

You'll get actionable tips, practical strategies, and research-backed advice to help your child develop a love for reading. Plus, hear why rushing into formal phonics lessons before a child is ready can do more harm than good and how to create a joyful, literacy-rich environment at home.

For more insights, grab a copy of Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read Stress-Free.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read Stress-Free
• Previous episodes of the Discerning Parenting Podcast

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://discerningparenting.com/
• Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/discerningparenting or @discerningparenting on Instagram

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! 

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, Dr. Victoria and Teacher Tasha Mendoza address a common worry for parents: “What if my preschooler doesn’t like reading or writing?” They explore why children resist school tasks, how developmental milestones play a role, and why early academic pressure can harm long-term learning attitudes.

Key Topics:

• Understanding why your preschooler resists reading and writing.
• The importance of observing your child’s behavior and stress levels.
• Why forcing worksheets too early can backfire.
• Balancing school expectations with age-appropriate learning.
• Why parent-child connection matters more than academics at this stage.

Key Takeaways:

1. Observe your child: Look for stress signals and adjust expectations.
2. Check developmental milestones: Preschoolers need play, movement, and exploration—not worksheets.
3. Avoid early pressure: It can create a lifelong aversion to learning.
4. Connection first: Your relationship with your child is the foundation for future learning.

Connect with Us:

• Learn more in the book: Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read Stress-Free.
• Check out our blog article and related podcast episode: Helping Your Child Learn to Read and How Kids Learn to Read
• Follow the Discerning Parenting Podcast for more tips.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! 

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

In this episode of The Discerning Parenting Podcast, Dr. Victoria Ang Nolasco is joined by special guest and co-author, Teacher Tasha Reyes Mendoza, to discuss their new book, Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read Stress-Free. They address the concerns and anxieties that many parents feel about helping their children learn to read in a world that often pushes academic skills at an early age. Together, they provide insights into a more natural, developmental approach to literacy that builds foundational skills and respects the child’s readiness.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode

• Why today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world creates new pressures around early reading.
• How to focus on your relationship with your child to support their reading journey.
• Understanding the "science of reading" and how to apply it in a stress-free way.
• The importance of foundational skills and developmental readiness before formal reading instruction.
• Practical, science-backed advice on fostering a love for reading through play and bonding.

About Our Guest

Teacher Tasha Reyes Mendoza, a reading intervention specialist and mother of four, brings over a decade of experience in teaching children of all abilities to read. She has coached families, teachers, and schools on literacy strategies and shares her expertise and passion for nurturing lifelong readers in this episode.

Key Takeaways

The Role of Developmental Readiness: Learn why pushing early reading may be counterproductive and how to recognize signs of reading readiness.
The Power of Parent-Child Connection: Discover how a strong relationship with your child lays the groundwork for successful reading and lifelong learning.
Realistic Expectations in a Digital Age: Dr. Victoria and Teacher Tasha explore how digital media and early academic pressure impact young children’s development and how parents can find a balanced approach.
 
Resources Mentioned
Book: Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read Stress-Free – Order on Amazon or visit our website.

Quotes to Remember
“Our relationship with our kids is the foundation of everything—including their learning journey.” - Dr. Victoria Ang Nolasco

“Reading readiness cannot be rushed. It’s about building foundational skills and waiting for developmental signs.” - Teacher Tasha Reyes Mendoza

Enjoy this heartwarming and insightful conversation that brings a fresh, compassionate approach to supporting your child’s reading journey—without the stress.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! 

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Many parents may feel caught between cultures at some point. It may be with previous generations such as parenting conflicts with your own parents or in-laws. Or feeling caught between the "traditional" parenting methods we experienced and the gentle parenting we see on the internet and social media.

Often, we don't realize how much cultural differences influence the way we see the world, that it's difficult to see any other way. 

In this second of two episodes with Dr. James Grubman, we dive into how cultural differences affect parenting. Dr. Jim Grubman is an internationally recognized consultant to families of wealth, family enterprises, and the wealth advisory industry. Dr. Grubman has been honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Family Wealth Report and the 2024 Richard Beckhard Practice Award
from the Family Firm Institute. 

He is the author of the renowned book, Strangers in Paradise: How Families Adapt to Wealth Across Generations, and co-author of Wealth 3.0: The Future of Family Wealth Advising (with Dennis Jaffe and Kristin Keffeler) and Cross Cultures: How Global Families Navigate Change Across Generations (with Dennis
Jaffe) along with multiple other publications. Dr. Grubman is a leader in The UHNW Institute, an industry think tank, and holds Fellow status in the Family Firm Institute and the Purposeful Planning Institute as well as membership in STEP, an international trusts-and-estates organization. His practice, Family Wealth Consulting, is based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Here's just some of what you'll discover in this episode:

• The three cultures based on research (Yes, there are three and not just two!)
• How these cultural differences can result in conflicts among generations (and other surprising sources of conflicts!), in various issues including parenting
• What we can do if we feel caught between cultures

Learn more about Dr. James Grubman at https://jamesgrubman.com/

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! 

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

If you have worries like...
"My kids didn't struggle the way I struggled growing up. Won't they be spoiled?"
"Will my child have what it takes to handle future challenges?"
...this episode is for you.

In this first of two episodes with Dr. James Grubman, we dive into parenting the next generation in family business. Dr. Jim Grubman is an internationally recognized consultant to families of wealth, family enterprises, and the wealth advisory industry. Dr. Grubman has been honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Family Wealth Report and the 2024 Richard Beckhard Practice Award from the Family Firm Institute. 

He is the author of the renowned book, Strangers in Paradise: How Families Adapt to Wealth Across Generations, and co-author of Wealth 3.0: The Future of Family Wealth Advising (with Dennis Jaffe and Kristin Keffeler) and Cross Cultures: How Global Families Navigate Change Across Generations (with Dennis Jaffe) along with multiple other publications. Dr. Grubman is a leader in The UHNW Institute, an industry think tank, and holds Fellow status in the Family Firm Institute and the Purposeful Planning Institute as well as membership in STEP, an international trusts-and-estates organization. His practice, Family Wealth Consulting, is based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Here's just some of what you'll discover in this episode:

• balancing the pressure of parenting the next generation and having the next generation measure up to the standards set by the previous generations
• unique challenges of the second generation in family business, and how this can affect parenting
• the key skills that parents need to build in the next generation in family business 
• shattering a very common myth that often destroys the confidence and self-esteem of the second and third generations in family business

Find out more about Dr. Grubman at https://jamesgrubman.com/

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! 

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

In this episode, we explore a common piece of advice that many of us grew up hearing—a lesson we were told was essential for our success. It’s something we've likely been encouraged to teach our children, too. 

But after a recent eye-opening experience, I’m questioning whether this age-old wisdom is still relevant. Could it be that we've been teaching our kids the wrong thing? And if so, what could be a better approach? Tune in to discover what this "one thing" is and explore a new perspective on how we guide our children's development.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! 

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

In this episode, we dive into the everyday pressures that can make us feel overwhelmed, stressed, and stretched too thin. Whether it's a mounting workload, ongoing demands, or a disagreement at work or home, it's easy to let these tensions spill over into our interactions with our children. When frustration builds up, we might find ourselves losing our temper at the smallest misbehavior.

But what if there was a way to pause and regain control before things escalate? Join us as we explore the one crucial question you can ask yourself in these challenging moments. This simple yet powerful question can change your perspective, helping you respond calmly and constructively, even when you feel pushed to your limits. Tune in to learn how this mindset shift can make all the difference in maintaining your composure and fostering a positive environment for you and your children.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! 

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Do you find it challenging to communicate with your child's teacher, especially when it comes to sensitive matters or disagreements?

You're not alone! In this episode, we demystify those crucial conversations and equip you with the tools to build a strong, collaborative relationship with your child's school. Tune in to learn how to take the stress out of communicating with your child's teachers and ensure a positive educational experience for your little one.

This is the third of a series of episodes that we have with Teacher Roxanne Sevilla.

About our Guest:
Roxanne Veronica Sevilla is a committed educator with nine years of experience as a preschool teacher and now works as a learning support teacher at MGC New Life Christian Academy. She co-founded The Nook Learning and Play Hub, offering play-based learning for young children and a SPED playgroup for social skills development. A strong advocate for home-school partnerships and integrating biblical principles in teaching, Roxanne holds a degree in Special Education from Trinity University of Asia, where she was recently honored as an outstanding alumna. She is currently pursuing her master's in Special Education at De La Salle University.

Follow The Nook Learning and Play Hub on Facebook and Instagram! 

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! 

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Is your little one ready to take that big leap into nursery or kindergarten?

In this episode, we break down the essential steps to ensure your child is prepared for this exciting new chapter. We understand that this transition can be a significant source of worry and stress for parents—questions like "How do I get my child ready for nursery?" or "What does my child need to be prepared for kindergarten?" are common concerns. That's why we've brought in the perfect expert, someone with the knowledge and experience to guide you through this important process.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips that will help make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

About our Guest:
Roxanne Veronica Sevilla is a committed educator with nine years of experience as a preschool teacher and now works as a learning support teacher at MGC New Life Christian Academy. She co-founded The Nook Learning and Play Hub, offering play-based learning for young children and a SPED playgroup for social skills development. A strong advocate for home-school partnerships and integrating biblical principles in teaching, Roxanne holds a degree in Special Education from Trinity University of Asia, where she was recently honored as an outstanding alumna. She is currently pursuing her master's in Special Education at De La Salle University.

Follow The Nook Learning and Play Hub on Facebook and Instagram!

Previous episodes mentioned in this podcast:

• 084 - Helping Your Child Get Along with Other Kids in School
• 062 - Why Kids Need to Move (and How To Get More Movement Into Their Day) with Dr. Rachel Pope
• 060 - Preschool Readiness Without The Stress with Candy Chan

Help your child build the skills they need, in a fun and easy way - without exhausting you. Check out my course, Learning Through Play!

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! 

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

In today's episode, we dive into a topic that concerns many parents: helping children navigate social interactions at school.

While some kids naturally make friends easily, others may find it more challenging—and that's perfectly okay. Every child, whether outgoing or shy, has the potential to connect with their peers. Making friends is a skill that can be learned and nurtured, not something that happens automatically.

Join us as we discuss practical tips from Teacher Roxanne Sevilla, co-owner, co-founder, and program director of Nook Learning and Play Hub, on how to support your child in building friendships and making school a joyful experience. Whether your child is just starting or is already in school, this episode will offer valuable insights to help them thrive socially.

About our Guest:
Roxanne Veronica Sevilla is a committed educator with nine years of experience as a preschool teacher and now works as a learning support teacher at MGC New Life Christian Academy. She co-founded The Nook Learning and Play Hub, offering play-based learning for young children and a SPED playgroup for social skills development. A strong advocate for home-school partnerships and integrating biblical principles in teaching, Roxanne holds a degree in Special Education from Trinity University of Asia, where she was recently honored as an outstanding alumna. She is currently pursuing her master's in Special Education at De La Salle University.

Follow The Nook Learning and Play Hub on Facebook and Instagram!

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! 

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.