Back-to-school season can hit like a tidal wave—and if you’re feeling pressure to get everything “right” from day one, you’re not alone. In this episode, I'll be sharing five simple, real-life rules I apply at home to make the transition smoother (without chasing Pinterest-perfect routines). We'll be talking about building systems that actually work on tired, rushed mornings, using lists to reduce the constant reminder loop, protecting after-school decompression time (especially for kids who struggle at school), and why it can help to ask fewer questions right after pickup. Plus, a reminder that a rough first week doesn’t automatically mean a rough year—what matters is noticing patterns with curiosity and adjusting as you go.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- Why “good enough” routines beat elaborate systems that require constant parent management.

- A simple way to cut down on repeated reminders: if it keeps getting forgotten, put it on a list.

- How after-school breathing room (snack, downtime, movement, connection) can prevent bigger meltdowns later.

- Why kids may not be ready to talk right after school—and how giving space often leads to better conversations later.

- How to tell the difference between “new is hard” and “something here isn’t working for my kid.”

This episode will help if:

- Back to school brings stress, chaos, and pressure to create the perfect routine.

- You’re stuck in the exhausting parent reminder loop (Chromebook, lunch, homework, permission slips).

- Your child is depleted after school—especially if school is extra demanding for them.

- The start of the year feels bumpy and you’re not sure what’s normal adjustment vs. a real red flag.

🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.

🌐 www.reframeparenting.com

🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog to dive into blog posts & podcast episodes to discover more school success strategies and get tools designed with you and your child in mind.

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When a neurodivergent child is struggling at school, it’s easy to focus on what we can see—the behavior, the unfinished work, the frustration. But what’s making it hard for them to learn in the first place?

In this episode of Unlocking School Success, school psychologist Dr. Emily King, author of The Neurodivergent Learner, joins me to unpack what neurodivergent kids need in order to be available for learning. Emily explains why regulation plays such an important role and how her “window of tolerance” framework can help parents make sense of what they’re seeing.

Sometimes the first clue is sensory. Sometimes it’s sleep, hunger, physical comfort, or anxiety. And sometimes behavior that looks like “defiance” is telling us that a child doesn’t yet have the skills to handle what’s being asked of them. Understanding those clues can give parents a very different starting point—not only for figuring out what their child needs, but for working with teachers to support them at school.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why “can’t do school” often means “can’t do school under these conditions”

- The window of tolerance (Dan Siegel’s framework) and why regulation comes before learning

- How connection and relationship support learning—and how that can include routines, interests, art, or animals (not just people)

- Why sensory factors are a smart first place to look when school feels hard

- Simple, high-impact starting points at home: sleep, nutrition, and sensory comfort (clothes/shoes)

- What to tell teachers when sleep, medication side effects, or stress may affect attention and mood

- How to handle the “my kid is falling apart at home but looks fine at school” mismatch

- Why Dr. King included sample email scripts in every chapter—and how they help parents collaborate without “coming in hot”

- What to do when a teacher experiences your child as “defiant,” and you believe it’s anxiety or a skill gap

This episode will help if:

- Your child is bright but school still feels overwhelming, exhausting, or impossible

- You suspect sensory overload, anxiety, or social/motor differences are getting in the way of learning

- You’re heading into a new school year and want practical ways to set your child (and teacher) up for success

- You feel stuck between not wanting to be “that parent” and needing to advocate clearly

- You’re seeing totally different behavior at home vs. school and don’t know what it means

Resources & links mentioned:

- Dr. Emily King’s book page: https://learnwithdremily.com/book

- Dr. Emily King on Substack (parent workshops + replay library): https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/

- Tilt Parenting (Debbie Reber): https://tiltparenting.com/

- Boys Town Press children’s books (ADHD, autism, executive functioning, social skills): https://www.boystownpress.org/

🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.

🌐 www.reframeparenting.com

🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog to dive into blog posts & podcast episodes to discover more school success strategies and get tools designed with you and your child in mind.

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If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “If they can’t do this now… what happens in middle school/high school/college?!”—take a breath.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sean McCormick (former special ed educator and founder of Executive Function Specialists) for a grounded, hopeful conversation about how parents can support executive functioning without falling into fear, power struggles, or endless nagging.

We talk about why executive function skills matter for life outcomes, how to keep a long-term view when your child is still developing, and small daily shifts that can make a big difference—like narrating your own thinking, focusing on starting (not finishing), and celebrating the tiny wins that actually build confidence.

We also dig into school teamwork, IEP/goal clarity, and why we’re really aiming for interdependence—not “do it all alone.”

Key Takeaways:

• Why fear-based “scare tactics” can backfire and increase anxiety (the opposite of executive functioning) 
• Sean’s POSITIVE acronym for executive function skills: planning, organization, self-awareness, inhibition, time management, initiation, visualizing outcomes, and evaluating priorities 
• The Parenting mindset shift: play the long game (because brain development takes time) 
• How routines, consistency, and clear boundaries create the conditions for executive skills to grow 
• A simple reframe that reduces homework battles: focus on starting tasks (even for 3 minutes) instead of finishing 
• How “declarative language” (cueing vs commanding) helps kids make their own executive decisions 
•  Why small wins need specific praise—and how that changes motivation over time 
• What “interdependence” really looks like at school, and why teams matter 
• How measurable, “proof-able” goals help everyone see progress (including your child) 

This episode will help if: 

• You’re worried your child’s struggles now mean they’ll “never” be able to handle what’s next 
• You feel stuck in a cycle of reminders, nagging, and conflict around school tasks 
• Your child is overwhelmed by big assignments and has trouble getting started 
• You want to support executive function at home, even though you’re not in the classroom 
• You’re navigating a 504/IEP (or just school stress in general) and want clearer goals and better collaboration 
• You’re trying to build your child’s confidence after lots of negative feedback at school

Resources:

•  Learn more about Sean’s work + free resources: https://www.efspecialists.com/
•  NeuroDiversions conference: https://neurodiversion.org/

🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.

🌐 www.reframeparenting.com

🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog to dive into blog posts & podcast episodes to discover more school success strategies and get tools designed with you and your child in mind.

Submit a Listener Question for a Future Episode

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Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at [email protected] for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝

Your kid melts down, the school emails (again), and suddenly you can feel your whole body go into “mama bear” mode.

In this episode, I’m joined by parent coach Allyn Miller (founder of Child Connection) for a down-to-earth conversation about what regulation actually means—and why it’s not the same thing as being calm all the time. We talk about how our nervous systems respond under stress (fight, flight, freeze, and even fawn), why neurodiverse kids can have bigger reactions, and how parents can start with one powerful first step: noticing what’s happening in your body before you react.

We also dig into power dynamics in parent-teacher relationships, the role of humility and collaboration, and how “redos” and repair can be the most practical (and effective) tool in your parenting toolbox.

Key Takeaways:

• Why regulation isn’t “stay calm,” but having a nervous system that can flex to match the situation 
• A simple self-check practice: noticing body signals (tight chest, clenched jaw, racing heart) before words come out 
• How fight/flight responses often show up verbally in parenting (“Just get over it” vs. “Whatever, I’m done”) 
• What “flow/find another way” looks like—and why it’s the sweet spot for problem-solving with schools 
•  How perception can feel like reality for kids (especially neurodiverse kids), even when adults see it differently 
•  The hidden role of power dynamics between parents and teachers—and how to reflect on your own relationship to power 
• Why “assume good intention” can change everything (with your child and with educators) 
•  How to use repairs and “redos” after a hard moment—without pretending it didn’t happen 

Resources:

•  Connect with Allyn Miller + grab her “number one tool for moms (and dads) to keep cool”: https://child-connection.com/
•  Book recommendation: Beyond Behaviors by Mona Delahooke

🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.

🌐 www.reframeparenting.com

🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog to dive into blog posts & podcast episodes to discover more school success strategies and get tools designed with you and your child in mind.

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Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at [email protected] for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝

For kids who have a hard time at school, summer camp can be much more than a fun way to spend the summer. It can be a place to build confidence, discover strengths, develop friendships, and experience success in ways that aren't tied to grades or academics.

In this episode of Unlocking School Success, I talk with former special education teacher and Camp Director Chris Gibbons about why camp can be especially powerful for kids who struggle in traditional school settings.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why camp can feel like a "vacation from failure" for some kids
• How camp helps build confidence, resilience, and independence
• What skills kids develop at camp that can support success at school

This episode is especially helpful if:

• Your child has a hard time at school and needs a confidence boost
• You're considering summer camp but aren't sure if it's the right fit
• You want your child to build social, emotional, and life skills outside the classroom

How has summer camp—or another out-of-school experience—helped your child grow?

Quick Links:

•  ⛺ Chris' camp - Camp Nor’Wester
•  🔥 American Camp Association (ACA) + camp search tool
•  🔗 Full show notes here

🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.

🌐 www.reframeparenting.com

🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog to dive into blog posts & podcast episodes to discover more school success strategies and get tools designed with you and your child in mind.

Submit a Listener Question for a Future Episode

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If parenting has ever made you think, “Wait… why didn’t anyone warn me it would be THIS hard?”, you’re in good company.

In this episode, I sit down with parenting coach Wendy Snyder to talk about her new book, Fresh Start Your Family (releasing May 26), and what happens when “be stricter” advice totally backfires—especially with strong-willed kids.

Wendy shares her family’s journey from power struggles and punishment-based tools to a relationship-first, firm-and-kind approach that supports real cooperation at home and in school. We also dig into common school discipline issues (like taking away recess), how to advocate without teacher-bashing, and why discipline should build skills—not shame kids into compliance.

• Why “power over” parenting (punishment, threats, shame) often creates more rebellion—especially for strong-willed kids.
• The difference between being strict (firm boundaries + respect) and being authoritarian (fear + force).
• Why punishment is rooted in making kids “pay,” while discipline is about teaching future skills through practice.
• How to respond when schools use consequences like taking away recess or shaming kids for being “unprepared.”
• How to spot what kinds of teachers your child truly thrives with—and use that information to support them.
• What it can look like to advocate for your child (ex: homework pushback) while staying respectful and collaborative.

• You’ve been told to “just be more strict,” but your child only escalates when you try.
• Your kid is labeled “defiant,” “bossy,” “sassy,” or “lazy,” and your gut says there’s a better interpretation.
• School consequences feel like they’re making things worse (especially for kids who need movement and connection).
• You want to build your advocacy confidence without feeling like you’re attacking teachers or administrators.
• You’re trying to break a cycle of reactive or punishment-based parenting and create a calmer, more respectful family culture.

Full show notes: https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog/podcast-fresh-start-your-family-parenting-strong-willed-kids

• Free workshop: Three Secrets to Thriving with Strong-Willed Kids: https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/power
• Connect with Wendy Snyder: https://freshstartfamilyonline.com

🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.

🌐 www.reframeparenting.com

🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog to dive into blog posts & podcast episodes to discover more school success strategies and get tools designed with you and your child in mind.

Submit a Listener Question for a Future Episode

💖Instagram: instagram.com/@reframeparenting

🖇️Threads: threads.com/@reframeparenting

Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at [email protected] for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝

If you’ve ever stared at a report card thinking, “But…this is a good kid—what is happening?” you’re not alone.

In this episode of Unlocking School Success, I sit down with educational counselor Dr. Linda Silbert (who specializes in struggling readers and runs a tutoring/test prep company) to talk about the newly updated second edition of her book, Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades. Dr. Linda breaks down why grades don’t “just happen,” how many kids are never actually taught how to study, and why the most important job is finding the real cause behind the struggle—without crushing a child’s self-worth along the way.

What you’ll learn:

• Why focusing on grades alone misses the bigger (and more fixable) picture.
• The two main drivers behind grades: tests and homework—and why both can go off the rails.
• What “studying” actually is (and why “just read your notes” often doesn’t work).
• How the brain’s limits (like only holding a few items at once) impact learning—and how “chunking” helps.
• Why some school expectations can be developmentally unrealistic (especially for younger kids).
• Early clues that may point to dyslexia (and why language development matters for reading).
• Why kids remember negative feedback so powerfully—and what that does to self-esteem.
• How to shift from being the “school police” to being your child’s ally.
• Why kids need skills (study skills + time management), not just encouragement.

This episode will help if:

• Your child is smart and kind—but their grades don’t match what you know they’re capable of.
• Homework time feels like a nightly conflict, meltdown, or power struggle.
• You’re worried your child is starting to believe they’re “lazy” or “bad at school.”
• You suspect a reading issue, but you’re not sure what to look for—or what to ask for.
• Your child is overwhelmed and overbooked, and late/missing work keeps piling up.
• You want practical ways to help that don’t involve more nagging, shame, or punishment.

Full Show Notes here: https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog/why-good-kids-get-bad-grades

Quick Links:

• Dr. Linda Silbert / Strong Learning: https://stronglearning.com
• Email Dr. Linda: [email protected]
• Book (coming late March/early April): Available via https://stronglearning.com, Amazon, and bookstores

Recommended Resources Mentioned:

• Overcoming Dyslexia by Dr. Sally Shaywitz
• International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org
• CHADD (ADHD resources): https://chadd.org

🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.

🌐 www.reframeparenting.com

🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog to dive into blog posts & podcast episodes to discover more school success strategies and get tools designed with you and your child in mind.

Submit a Listener Question for a Future Episode

💖Instagram: instagram.com/@reframeparenting

🖇️Threads: threads.com/@reframeparenting

Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at [email protected] for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝

Ever leave a school meeting wondering if you’re “doing enough” for your kids… and also somehow feel like your “doing it wrong”?

In this episode of Unlocking School Success, I’m joined by Brianna Cullen, a pediatric psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, to talk about what parents really need to know when understanding ADHD Medication & Mental Health Support at School.

What you’ll learn:

• How mental health nurse practitioners can support kids and families and why many parents don’t realize this option exists.
• What providers look at when deciding whether medication might help (academic, social, and home functioning).
• Why medication decisions should be a family decision (and a kid decision), not something dictated by school pressure.
• How to think about meds as “a tool, not a forever path” including the reality of trial-and-error.
• Why collaboration with teachers can be key feedback when evaluating whether a medication is helping.
• How stigma and guilt show up for parents and how supportive care can change everything.
• Why untreated ADHD can increase long-term risks (including impulsivity and substance use) and why early support matters.

This episode will help if:

• You feel overwhelmed by school feedback and you’re wondering if medication is being suggested too quickly.
• You’re nervous about side effects, stigma, or “making the wrong choice” for your child.
• You live in a rural area (or anywhere with long waitlists) and need more clarity on care options like telehealth.
• You want a provider who partners with your family without pushing a one-size-fits-all plan.
• You’re trying to support a child with ADHD, anxiety, or big emotional/behavioral challenges impacting school. 

Full show notes here: https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog/adhd-medication-mental-health-support-school

Quick Links:

• SkyLake Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Clinic (Southern Oregon) — referral-based; telehealth available in Oregon
• Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child by Julie F. Skolnick (book recommendation)

🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.

🌐 www.reframeparenting.com

🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog to dive into blog posts & podcast episodes to discover more school success strategies and get tools designed with you and your child in mind.

Submit a Listener Question for a Future Episode

💖Instagram: instagram.com/@reframeparenting

🖇️Threads: threads.com/@reframeparenting

Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at [email protected] for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝

Parenting can feel like you’re doing everything “right” and still constantly butting heads. In this episode of Unlocking School Success, I chat with human behavior specialist and Teaching Our Youth founder Karen Wagnon, about using personality and temperament (including the DISC model) to understand what’s really driving kids’ behavior at home and at school.

Karen explains that kids are born with different traits and emotional needs, and when those needs aren’t met, parents and teachers often react to the surface behavior instead of the root cause.

What you'll learn:

• Why what works beautifully for one child can totally backfire with another-and how to adapt without losing authority.
• How to look for the root cause of shutdowns, defiance, or explosions instead of only addressing surface behavior.
• Why bridging teaching styles and learning styles in school can reduce frustration (without immediately jumping to labels).
• How leading with curiosity (not judgment) helps kids feel safe enough to talk-especially in the teen years.

This episode will help if:

• You feel like you’re playing “whack-a-mole” at home - constantly reacting to behavior without real progress.
• You have siblings with wildly different personalities and you’re not sure how to parent them fairly and effectively.
• Your child is struggling in school and you’re hearing labels like “lazy” or “unmotivated.”
• You want to advocate for your child with teachers but need better language and clearer insight into what your child needs.
• You’re in the teen years and it feels like your once-close kid is pulling away-and you want to protect the long-term relationship.

Full Show Notes here: https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog/podcast-understanding-childs-behavior-through-personality

Quick Links:

Karen’s website (Teaching Our Youth)

Recommended Resources:

Different Children, Different Needs by Dr. Charles Boyd (affiliate link)

🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.

🌐 www.reframeparenting.com

🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog to dive into blog posts & podcast episodes to discover more school success strategies and get tools designed with you and your child in mind.

Submit a Listener Question for a Future Episode

💖Instagram: instagram.com/@reframeparenting

🖇️Threads: threads.com/@reframeparenting

Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at [email protected] for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝

Getting involved at your child’s school can feel intimidating-like you’re one “yes” away from a never-ending volunteer job. In this conversation with Christina Hidek (a “recovering attorney” and the voice behind PTO Answers), I break down what PTAs and PTOs actually are, why parent involvement matters so much, and how to start in a way that fits your life. We talk about the real benefits of showing up - from gaining insight into what happens inside the school building to building relationships that make collaboration with teachers and administrators easier—plus simple, low-pressure ways to dip your toe in while still keeping healthy boundaries.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The difference between a PTA and a PTO—and why the name matters less than the purpose.
• How parent groups improve school communities through enrichment, support for staff, and connection.
• Easy “first steps” to get involved, like attending a meeting or following your PTO on social media.
• Why small, skill-based volunteering can make a big impact without a huge time commitment.
• How relationships and trust with school staff can make it easier to ask questions and advocate for your child.

This episode will help if:

• You want to be more involved at school but worry about overcommitting or burning out.
• You’re not sure where to start—or you feel like “someone else will handle it.”
• You have a full plate (especially if your child struggles in school) and need low-lift options.
• You’d like to build community, understand how the school works, and feel more connected.

Quick Links:

Explore Christina’s website: https://www.ptoanswers.com/

Free download on common mistakes to avoid: https://www.ptoanswers.com/mistakes

The Pricipal’s PTO Playbook: https://ptoanswers.com/principals-parent-group-playbook/

🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.

🌐 www.reframeparenting.com

🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog to dive into blog posts & podcast episodes to discover more school success strategies and get tools designed with you and your child in mind.

Submit a Listener Question for a Future Episode

💖Instagram: instagram.com/@reframeparenting

🖇️Threads: threads.com/@reframeparenting

Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at [email protected] for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝