Learning Success

By Laura LurnsEducation

Learning Success episodes

October 29 504 Plan or IEP? Which Should You Ask For? | The Homework Table Ep. 4
504 plan or IEP: which should you ask for? In episode four of The Homework Table, Laura and Brian explain the one question that decides it (taught something, or a barrier removed?), why you don't have to choose, how to respond to "let's try a 504 first" or "he's passing," who sits at the table under each law, evaluation timelines, and email wording you can send this week. A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. General information about US federal law, not legal advice.

Links:
Full article: https://learningsuccess.ai/advocacy/what-is-the-difference-between-a-504-plan-and-an-iep-and-which-should-i-ask-for/
Your parent rights under IDEA: https://learningsuccess.ai/learn/attention-and-focus/parent-rights-idea/
Free learning disability screener: https://learningsuccess.ai/learning-disability-test/
Free 7-day All Access trial: https://learningsuccess.ai/all-access/
Learning Success: https://learningsuccess.ai/
13 min
October 27 Bright Kid Called Lazy? Could It Be Dyslexia?
Your bright child is being called lazy. Could it be dyslexia? In episode three of The Homework Table, Laura and Brian explain why "lazy" describes a stall, not a cause, and how to turn a judgment into a question the school has to answer. They cover the three questions to ask, why reading trouble in bright kids gets missed, a week of notes, how to request a free evaluation in writing in the US, and what a screener can and can't do (a starting point, not a diagnosis). General information, not legal advice.

Links:
Full article: https://learningsuccess.ai/dyslexia/my-bright-child-is-being-called-lazy-at-school-could-this-be-dyslexia/
Free dyslexia screener: https://learningsuccess.ai/dyslexia-test/
What dyslexia is: https://learningsuccess.ai/dyslexia/
Reading research summary: https://learningsuccess.ai/learn/research/reading/
If the school refuses to evaluate: https://learningsuccess.ai/advocacy/the-school-refused-to-evaluate-my-child-for-dyslexia-what-do-i-do-next/

Free 7-day All Access trial: https://learningsuccess.ai/all-access/
Learning Success: https://learningsuccess.ai/
13 min
October 22 Tears Over Math Every Night? Lower the Fear First | The Homework Table Ep. 2
Tears over math every single night? In episode two of The Homework Table, Laura and Brian explain why those tears are a stress response, not drama, and why piling on more practice can make the dread stronger. They cover the research on math anxiety (it's learned, so it can be unlearned), how it differs from dyscalculia, low-pressure number games to try at home, why fingers and number lines are scaffolding, not cheating, and when a screener (a starting point, not a diagnosis) or a free school evaluation makes sense.

Links:
Full article: https://learningsuccess.ai/dyscalculia/she-cries-over-math-every-single-night-and-i-dont-know-how-to-help-her/
Free dyscalculia screener: https://learningsuccess.ai/dyscalculia-test/
What dyscalculia looks like day to day: https://learningsuccess.ai/symptoms-of-dyscalculia/
Math research: https://learningsuccess.ai/learn/research/math/
Parent assessment: https://learningsuccess.ai/all-access/
Free 7-day All Access trial: https://learningsuccess.ai/choose-plan/
Learning Success: https://learningsuccess.ai/
12 min
October 20 The Homework Table, Ep. 1: Homework Battles Every Night
Homework battles every night? In episode one of The Homework Table, Laura and Brian explain why the nightly meltdown is usually a sign of overload, not laziness. They cover why bright kids can still find a skill hard, why reward charts fall short, how long homework should take (about 10 minutes per grade level is a rough guide), and practical steps for tonight: smaller tasks, a 10-minute timer, the hardest part first, and stopping on a win. Plus, when a parent screener makes sense (a starting point, not a diagnosis) and your right to request a free school evaluation in writing.

Links:
Full article: https://learningsuccess.ai/mindset/homework-battles-every-night-what-theyre-really-telling-you-about-your-childs-learning/
Free 7-day All Access trial: https://learningsuccess.ai/all-access/
Free Learning Disabilities Screener: https://learningsuccess.ai/learning-disability-test/
Free Focus Foundations guide: https://learningsuccess.ai/resource-focus-foundations/
Learning Success: https://learningsuccess.ai/
13 min
January 16Biggest Dyslexia News in 23 Years
Start a free trial of the Learning Success System and get your child's free analysis and 12 week action plan
https://learningsuccess.ai/membership/all-access/If you’ve ever watched your child struggle to read and felt helpless, frustrated, or angry at a system that keeps telling you to “wait,” this episode is for you.
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) has released a new definition of dyslexia—and it finally validates what parents have known all along: waiting for children to fail causes real harm. Lowered expectations damage confidence. And struggling readers deserve support early, not excuses later.
This new definition changes everything.
In this episode, I break down what the IDA’s update really means for your child—and for you as a parent who’s been fighting for answers, support, and hope. We talk about why schools so often delay help, how that delay affects a child’s self-belief, and why your child’s brain is not broken—it’s changeable.
Through the power of neuroplasticity, your child can build real reading skills, focus, confidence, and a love of learning. And you don’t have to wait for permission to start.
You’ll also hear how Learning Success AI’s All Access Program was designed for families exactly like yours—parents who refuse to accept “they’ll grow out of it” or “this is the best we can do.”
💛 In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why “wait to fail” is finally being called out—and what replaces it
How early intervention can change the trajectory of your child’s life
Why your child’s struggles are not a reflection of intelligence or effort
How to end nightly homework battles and rebuild motivation
What it looks like when learning finally starts to click
Why YOU are the most important advocate your child will ever have
🌱 Try Learning Success AI FREE for 7 days
An AI-powered assessment that reveals how your child learns
A personalized learning blueprint you keep forever—even if you cancel
Daily, doable activities that build skills without overwhelm
Parent coaching, school advocacy tools, and a community that truly understands
For less than the cost of ongoing specialist visits, you can stop feeling powerless and start building your child’s learning brain—today.
✨ The revolution in learning is here. And it starts with you.
Start your free trial now: https://LearningSuccess.ai
Subscribe for more honest conversations about dyslexia, learning struggles, parenting, confidence, and turning challenges into lifelong capabilities.
14 min
September 01, 2025How do I set boundaries and manage my child's behavior while still being emotionally supportive, and what actually works for long-term behavior change?
Episode 11: Behavior Management with Emotional Intelligence
How do I set boundaries and manage my child's behavior while still being emotionally supportive, and what actually works for long-term behavior change?
In this final episode of our comprehensive series, we tackle the biggest challenge parents face: balancing emotional understanding with effective discipline. Discover how to integrate everything you've learned about emotional intelligence with science-based behavior management that actually works for lasting change.
What You'll Learn:
Why traditional punishment-based approaches often backfire and make problems worse
The science of reinforcement and how children actually learn from consequences
How to redesign your household so children earn privileges rather than lose them
Why giving in to tantrums or getting angry both inadvertently reinforce problem behaviors
How to be the "CEO of your household" with calm confidence instead of reactive control
The crucial difference between acknowledging emotions and enabling inappropriate behavior

Breakthrough Behavior Strategies:
Earning vs. Losing Systems: Why children should always be working toward privileges rather than having them revoked
Avoiding Reinforcement Traps: How attention (even negative attention) can strengthen unwanted behaviors
Consistent Follow-Through: Why consequences must be sustainable and enforceable
The Power of Ignoring: When not responding is the most effective intervention

Real-World Applications:
What to do when your child whines to get out of chores or homework
How to handle tantrums without reinforcing them
Setting up earning schedules that motivate rather than frustrate
Responding to disrespectful behavior while maintaining emotional connection
Creating household systems that naturally encourage cooperation

Integration with Emotional Intelligence:
How to validate feelings while maintaining behavioral expectations
Using emotional awareness to understand the "why" behind behavior without excusing it
Teaching children that emotions are information, not excuses for inappropriate actions
Helping children learn that feelings are always acceptable, behaviors are not always acceptable

Key Scientific Insights:
How reinforcement creates permanent neural pathways in the brain
Why punishment often leads to sneaking, lying, and avoidance rather than genuine behavior change
The symbiotic relationship between parent behavior and child behavior
How consequences actually shape habits and character over time

Avoiding Common Pitfalls:
Why inconsistent consequences undermine all your efforts
How to avoid consequences you can't actually enforce
The problems with threats, bribes, and emotional manipulation
Why "punishment parenting" often creates adversarial relationships

Building Strong Family Systems:
Creating clear expectations and earning opportunities
Teaching children to work for what they want rather than expecting everything for free
Developing internal motivation rather than external compliance
Building character through accountability and responsibility

This episode completes your transformation from reactive parenting to intentional, science-based family leadership that honors emotions while building strong character.

This final episode completes our comprehensive series based on hundreds of hours of research and expert interviews. Also available as a complete course at learningsuccess.ai and as a video documentary on Amazon Prime.
Get the Free Learning Success Emotional Intelligence Course
https://learningsuccess.ai/course/documentary-overly-emotional-child/
Watch The Overly Emotional Child on Amazon Prime
https://www.amazon.com/Overly-Emotional-Child-Liz-Weaver/dp/B08M3C8P6B
44 min
August 29, 2025Why does my child seem to have such extreme difficulty with emotional regulation despite all my efforts?
Episode 10: Understanding Emotional Dysregulation
Why does my child seem to have such extreme difficulty with emotional regulation despite all my efforts, and could there be an underlying neurological or sensory processing issue?
If you've been consistently implementing emotional intelligence strategies but your child still struggles significantly more than others with regulation, this episode provides crucial insights you need. Discover when emotional challenges may be rooted in underlying neurological differences that require specialized understanding and support.
In this essential episode, we explore the difference between typical emotional development and actual regulation disorders that stem from sensory processing differences.
What You'll Learn:
The difference between emotional learning challenges and actual regulation disorders
How the brainstem processes sensory information and determines "safe vs. unsafe"
Two types of regulation disorders: modulation disorders and self-regulation disorders
Why some children appear hyperactive while others seem anxious or withdrawn
How processing breakdowns in the brainstem create emotional storms
The role of brain plasticity in developing better regulation skills

Key Concepts Covered:
Modulation Disorders: When children are unable to become regulated (processing breakdown in lower brainstem)
Self-Regulation Disorders: When children can become regulated but struggle to stay regulated (processing breakdown in upper brainstem)
How the nervous system's "safety detection" system can malfunction
Why some children need sensory input while others become overwhelmed by it

Understanding Different Presentations:
The "tornado" child: hyperactive, seeking stimulation, then crashing into sluggishness
The anxious child: hiding, resisting, limiting input, then becoming aggressive when overwhelmed
Children who flip between these states unpredictably
How both presentations stem from the same underlying processing challenges

Hope Through Science:
Brain plasticity: how all brains can change and grow throughout life
Bottom-up approaches that focus on brainstem rewiring rather than just behavior modification
How sensory programs can carve new neural pathways for better regulation
Why understanding the neurological basis leads to more effective interventions

For Parents:
When to seek professional evaluation for sensory processing differences
How to distinguish between willful behavior and neurological overwhelm
Why traditional discipline approaches may not work for children with regulation disorders
How to advocate for your child's unique nervous system needs
Finding hope when conventional parenting strategies aren't effective

Practical Applications:
Recognizing signs that your child may have underlying processing differences
Understanding why your child might need different approaches than their siblings
How to support a child whose brainstem struggles with safety detection
Creating environments that support rather than overwhelm sensitive nervous systems

Key Takeaways:
Regulation difficulties are neurological differences, not character flaws or parenting failures
Understanding the "why" behind struggles leads to more effective support
Brain plasticity means improvement is always possible with the right approaches
Some children need specialized support to develop skills that come naturally to others
Bottom-up interventions can be more effective than top-down behavioral strategies alone

Based on hundreds of hours of research and expert interviews. Also available as a complete course at learningsuccess.ai and as a video documentary on Amazon Prime.

Get the Free Learning Success Emotional Intelligence Course
https://learningsuccess.ai/course/documentary-overly-emotional-child/
Watch The Overly Emotional Child on Amazon Prime
https://www.amazon.com/Overly-Emotional-Child-Liz-Weaver/dp/B08M3C8P6B
15 min
August 27, 2025What does emotional intelligence look like in real family life?
Episode 9: Building Emotional Intelligence
How do I know if what I'm doing is actually working, and what does emotional intelligence look like in real family life?
If you've been implementing the strategies from this series and wondering whether you're on the right track, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity you need. Discover what true emotional intelligence looks like when it all comes together, and learn to recognize progress even when it doesn't match your expectations.
In this inspiring culmination episode, we bring together all the principles from our series and show you the beautiful transformation that happens when children develop genuine emotional intelligence. You'll hear real success stories and learn what to look for as your child grows in emotional maturity.

What You'll Learn:
How to recognize when your child is developing emotional independence
The difference between supporting your child and solving their problems for them
What it looks like when children feel truly "seen" and "heard"
How to give children space to work through emotions while remaining available
Signs that your emotional intelligence work is paying off
The beautiful balance between guidance and independence

Real Transformation Stories:
Children learning to work through emotions independently
Parents stepping back and trusting their child's emotional processing abilities
How providing "safe space" leads to better outcomes than immediate problem-solving
Examples of children developing confidence in their own emotional regulation skills

The TLC Framework in Action:
Meeting children on Their home turf through age-appropriate communication
Lowering defenses by approaching with creativity rather than confrontation
Creating genuine Connection that builds emotional intelligence over time

Key Signs of Progress:
Your child asks for space when they need it rather than shutting down
They can identify and name their emotions more easily
They show increased confidence in handling difficult situations
They seek support when needed but try to work through problems first
Their emotional outbursts become less frequent and intense over time

What Emotional Intelligence Looks Like:
Children who feel safe expressing all emotions appropriately
Kids who can self-soothe and problem-solve independently
Families where difficult emotions are met with understanding rather than fear
Children who trust their own ability to handle life's challenges
Parents who can stay calm and supportive without taking over

For Parents:
How to trust the process when your child is still struggling
Recognizing that emotional growth isn't always linear
Understanding when to step in versus when to step back
Celebrating small wins and gradual progress
Building your own confidence as an emotionally intelligent parent

Key Takeaways:
Emotional intelligence isn't about eliminating difficult emotions - it's about building skills to handle them
Children develop confidence through working through challenges, not avoiding them
Your role shifts from problem-solver to supportive guide
Real success looks like children who trust their own emotional abilities
Every interaction is an opportunity to build emotional intelligence

This episode celebrates how far you've come while giving you practical ways to recognize and nurture continued emotional growth in your family.
Perfect for: Parents wanting to assess their progress, anyone needing encouragement about their emotional intelligence journey, or those ready to see the bigger picture of raising emotionally capable children.
Based on hundreds of hours of research and expert interviews. Also available as a complete course at learningsuccess.ai and as a video documentary on Amazon Prime.

Get the Free Learning Success Emotional Intelligence Course
https://learningsuccess.ai/course/documentary-overly-emotional-child/
Watch The Overly Emotional Child on Amazon Prime
https://www.amazon.com/Overly-Emotional-Child-Liz-Weaver/dp/B08M3C8P6B
14 min
August 25, 2025What can I do when my child shuts down or can't talk about their emotions, and how do I connect with them when words aren't working?
Episode 8 : Externalizing Emotions
What can I do when my child shuts down or can't talk about their emotions, and how do I connect with them when words aren't working?
If you've ever felt stuck when your child refuses to talk about their feelings, shuts down emotionally, or seems too overwhelmed for words, this episode will open up entirely new possibilities for connection and healing. Discover powerful alternatives to verbal communication that can reach your child when traditional talking approaches fail.
In this innovative episode, we explore why sometimes the most healing thing you can do is stop talking altogether and try something completely different. You'll learn how creative expression, visual cues, and non-verbal communication can help your child process emotions in ways that words alone cannot achieve.

What You'll Learn:
Why verbal communication becomes nearly impossible when children are emotionally overwhelmed
How sensory systems (rhythm, movement, visual cues) stay online even when words fail
The power of creative expression to help children externalize their emotions
How drawing and art allow children to see their feelings from a safe distance
Why creative approaches help thinking brain integrate with feeling brain
The "TLC" method: Their home turf, Lowering defenses, Connection through creativity

Breakthrough Techniques:
Using drawings as "mediators" between you and your child
Simple visual communication (sad faces, speech bubbles) that bypasses verbal barriers
How art materials can become tools for emotional expression
Creating safe spaces for non-verbal emotional processing
Helping children understand their internal world through external expression

Real-World Applications:
What to do when your child says "I don't want to talk" or "go away"
How to approach a child who's locked themselves in their room
Using creative activities during calm moments to build emotional processing skills
Meeting children where they are instead of forcing adult communication styles
Recognizing when to step back from verbal approaches

Key Insights:
Children's verbal skills go offline during emotional stress, but creativity remains accessible
Meeting children "on their home turf" feels less threatening than adult-focused talking
Creative expression allows emotions to become visible and manageable
Sometimes connection happens through doing rather than discussing
Non-verbal approaches can be more effective than words for many children

Why This Works:
Removes the pressure and defensiveness that "we need to talk" creates
Allows children to communicate at their own pace and comfort level
Helps overwhelmed children organize chaotic emotional experiences
Creates opportunities for connection without forcing vulnerability
Builds bridge between emotional brain and thinking brain

Key Takeaways:
Sometimes the most powerful parenting tool is putting down words and picking up crayons
Creative approaches work for all children, not just "artistic" ones
Non-verbal connection can be just as healing as verbal processing
Children often communicate more honestly through creative expression
These techniques work especially well with children who feel "too big" emotions for words

This episode transforms how you think about emotional communication and gives you practical tools for reaching your child when traditional approaches aren't working.
Perfect for: Parents of children who shut down emotionally, anyone whose child resists talking about feelings, or those wanting creative alternatives to verbal processing.
Based on hundreds of hours of research and expert interviews. Also available as a complete course at learningsuccess.ai and as a video documentary on Amazon Prime.

Get the Free Learning Success Emotional Intelligence Course
https://learningsuccess.ai/course/documentary-overly-emotional-child/
Watch The Overly Emotional Child on Amazon Prime
https://www.amazon.com/Overly-Emotional-Child-Liz-Weaver/dp/B08M3C8P6B
14 min
August 22, 2025How do I help my child understand and express their emotions in healthy ways, and how do I process my own difficult parenting emotions?
Episode 7: Processing Emotions
How do I help my child understand and express their emotions in healthy ways, and how do I process my own difficult parenting emotions?
If you've ever wondered whether emotions are "good" or "bad," or struggled to help your child work through big feelings without either dismissing them or getting overwhelmed yourself, this episode will transform your entire relationship with emotions. Discover why emotions - even difficult ones - are actually here to help you.
In this essential episode, we explore the art of healthy emotional processing for both parents and children. You'll learn why emotions are valuable messengers providing important information, and discover practical techniques for helping your child develop emotional literacy while managing your own challenging parenting emotions.
What You'll Learn:
Why emotions are not bad - they're messengers here to help us
The crucial difference between feeling emotions and communicating them poorly
How to help your child identify and name their emotions for healthy brain development
The concept of "horizontal brain integration" - pairing words with emotional experiences
Why running from emotions or suppressing them makes things worse
How to find safe spaces to process your own difficult parenting emotions
The food digestion analogy - why emotions need to be "fully processed"

Key Insights Covered:
Emotions are only problematic when they're communicated poorly or left unprocessed
Children need external help to "give order" to their chaotic emotional experiences
Your children are "truth mirrors" reflecting what's already inside you
Taking responsibility for your emotions frees your child to be themselves
Validating feelings doesn't mean validating inappropriate behavior

Practical Techniques:
How to say what you see: "I can see that made you pretty upset"
Teaching children the difference between feeling angry and acting aggressively
Finding safe people or places to express difficult parenting emotions
Modeling emotional vulnerability appropriately with your children
Using emotions as information rather than allowing them to control behavior

For Parents:
How to process feelings of not liking your child's personality sometimes
Dealing with adoption challenges, special needs, or overwhelming parenting situations
Finding support groups and safe spaces for honest emotional expression
Understanding that admitting struggles is strength, not weakness
Learning to be authentic without burdening your children

Key Takeaways:
Emotions become gifts when they're fully processed rather than repressed
You can't teach emotional processing skills you don't have yourself
Children learn emotional regulation by watching how you handle your emotions
All feelings are acceptable, even when all behaviors are not
Emotional honesty creates deeper family connections

This episode helps you develop a completely new relationship with emotions - both yours and your child's - turning them from obstacles into allies.
Perfect for: Parents struggling with their own difficult emotions, anyone wanting to help their child develop emotional literacy, or those ready to break generational patterns of emotional suppression.
Based on hundreds of hours of research and expert interviews. Also available as a complete course at learningsuccess.ai and as a video documentary on Amazon Prime.
Get the Free Learning Success Emotional Intelligence Course
https://learningsuccess.ai/course/documentary-overly-emotional-child/

Watch The Overly Emotional Child on Amazon Prime
https://www.amazon.com/Overly-Emotional-Child-Liz-Weaver/dp/B08M3C8P6B
26 min