Unlocking School Success | for Parents with K-12 Kids

Feeling like you’re doing everything you can for your child at school—and still not getting the answers you need?

In this episode, I'll she created the School Support That Sticks Summit (starting October 26–29) and what surprised her most from last year: parents weren’t just looking for information—they were craving connection, clarity, and the reassurance that they’re not alone.

I'll explain why “more tips” often isn’t the answer when school is hard, how the summit is designed to help you understand the whole picture of what’s getting in the way, and how to choose the sessions that matter most for your family.

You’ll also hear what’s included this year:

—29 experts, short sessions, a private Facebook community, Q&A, prizes, and optional extended replay access.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- Why parents of kids who struggle in school often feel isolated—and how community helps.

- What last year’s summit revealed about what parents really need (beyond more information).

- Why school challenges can feel confusing when information comes in silos.

- The four-day summit progression: understanding your child → identifying challenges → exploring supports → advocacy.

- How to be selective with sessions so you get value without feeling overwhelmed.

- What to expect this year: 29 experts, sessions under 30 minutes, and a private Facebook group.

- How free access works (48-hour viewing windows) and what the optional Parent Power Pack includes.

This episode will help if:

- You’re getting emails, sitting through meetings, and Googling late at night—still unsure what to do next.

- You suspect ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, executive function challenges, or emotional overwhelm are impacting school.

- You want school support that actually makes sense in a real school setting.

- You’re tired of trying “all the strategies” and want clarity on what to focus on first.

- You want to advocate more effectively, but you’re not sure where to start.

Resources & Links:

- Get your free ticket to the School Support That Sticks Summit (Oct 26–29): https://schoolsupportthatsticks.com/

- Full show notes: https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog

🎒 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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💖Instagram: instagram.com/@reframeparenting

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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! 📝

Ever feel like your kid’s school day is a total black box—until the 9pm “I have a project due tomorrow” then panic hits?

In this episode, I’m joined by Mitch Weathers (former teacher and founder of Organized Binder) to talk about how executive dysfunction shows up in classrooms, why parents often feel stuck guessing what’s expected, and how to build simple supports at home that actually align with school. We unpack the “hidden curriculum” of independence that ramps up around 3rd/4th grade, why clarity has to come before accountability, and how confusing tech portals can add stress for kids and families.

Mitch also shares practical starting points—especially when your school doesn’t have a consistent system in place—and the three keys to supporting executive function development: clarity, modeling, and routine.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- What executive function support looks like in real school settings (and why it’s often not explicitly taught).

- Why the 3rd–4th grade “independence shift” can be so hard for many kids.

- How misalignment between home systems and school systems can turn into nightly power struggles.

- Why “clarity before accountability” matters (for parents, teachers, and students).

- How predictable routines reduce cognitive load and protect working memory.

- Mitch’s three essentials for building executive function skills: clarity, modeling, and routine.

- Practical ways to start at home—especially when there aren’t clear structures at school.

This episode will help if:

- You’re trying to support organization, planning, and time management—but it feels like constant nagging.

- Your child insists they have “no homework”… and then melts down later that night.

- You’re overwhelmed by multiple school portals and can’t tell what’s actually expected.

- Your child is moving into upper elementary, middle school, or high school and the demands are ramping up fast.

- You want strategies that are realistic, low time-footprint, and not a daily battle of wills.

Resources & Links:

- Learn more about Organized Binder: https://organizedbinder.com/

- Connect with Mitch on LinkedIn (for speaking and updates): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchweathers

- Executive Functions for Every Classroom: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments (grades 3–12) : https://organizedbinder.com/product/executive-functions-for-every-classroom/

- Executive Functions for Every K–3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start : https://organizedbinder.com/product/ef-k3-book/

- Free resource: “Getting Started with Executive Functions” (co-created with Cambridge University)

🎒 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! 📝

School counselors can be an incredible resource for kids who are struggling—but many parents don’t realize the range of support they can provide.

In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Davis, former school counselor and founder of Bright Futures Counseling, to talk about how school counselors support kids with everything from friendships and executive function to emotional regulation and academic challenges. We also dig into how counselors work with teachers and parents—and how families can tap into this often-overlooked resource at school.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

*What school counselors actually do—and how their role goes far beyond college and career guidance

*How counselors can help with challenges like friendships, executive function, emotional regulation, and behavior

*How counselors can support kids in the classroom, where challenges are actually happening

*When a school counselor can help connect families with additional resources or outside support

*How to reach out to your child’s counselor and start a conversation about what your child needs

This episode will help if:

*You’re not really sure what your child’s school counselor does—or when to reach out

*Your child is struggling socially, emotionally, behaviorally, or academically at school

*You’re seeing challenges at home that the school may not be seeing

*You want another school team member who can help you figure out what’s getting in the way and what might help

Resources & Links:

• Rachel Davis / Bright Futures Counseling: BrightFutures-Counseling.com
• Bright Futures Counseling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling

Book recommendations:

• The Anxious Generation (Jonathan Haidt)
• Hunt, Gather, and Parent

🎒 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! 📝

When your kid is already struggling at school, being told they need to “learn to struggle” can be hard to hear.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jon Eckert, professor at Baylor University, former teacher, and author of The Happiness Crisis: How Adversity Can Build a Resilient and Joyful Next Generation, to talk about what it actually means to support kids through hard things.

We talk about why not all struggle is productive, the idea of “gritty optimism,” and how getting curious about what’s behind a kid’s struggle can change the way we support them—at home and at school.

What you’ll learn:

• How to support a kid who’s already struggling without trying to remove every hard thing
• What makes some struggles productive—and what can make them more damaging
• Why curiosity can help you uncover what’s really going on behind a struggle
• How kids build confidence by seeing their own progress, especially when things don’t come easily
• Why experiences outside of school can be so important for kids who struggle there 

This episode will help if:

• Your kid is already having a hard time, and “let them struggle” doesn’t feel like useful advice
• You’re not always sure when to step in, when to support, and when to give your kid room to work through something
• You know there’s often more behind a behavior or struggle than what you see on the surface
• School has become such a big focus that you want to help your kid see their strengths beyond it
• You want to help your kid build confidence from what they’re learning and doing—not just whether they succeed

Resources & links:

- Dr. Jon Eckert’s book + free resources (discussion guides, free chapters): https://thehappinesscrisis.com

- Dr. Jon Eckert’s website: https://jonathaneckert.org

- Baylor Center for School Leadership: https://baylorcenterforschoolleadership.org

Book Recommendations:

- David Yeager’s - 10 to 25

- David Brooks’ - How to Know a Person*

- Angela Duckworth’s - Situated

🎒 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! 📝

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.

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! 📝

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.

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 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

💖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! 📝

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.

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! 📝

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

💖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 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! 📝