Parenting Solutions for Teen & Pre-Teen Education & Behavior – Details, episodes & analysis

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What if dyslexia isn’t a life sentence but a familiarity gap you can close with a simple plan? We dig into the practical side of helping kids and teens read with confidence by focusing on what actually trips them up: a small set of letter-sound patterns and the sequence they learn them in. With 26 letters and a finite group of common letter combinations, reading becomes less of a mystery and more of a map you can follow at home.

We start by flipping the script on labels and overwhelm. Instead of chasing diagnostics, we show you how to back up to text your child can read smoothly, bank quick wins, and then move forward one sound pattern at a time. Along the way, we share the Look, Learn, Practice formula that ties everything together: inspect what’s on the page, learn the precise sound and meaning, and practice out loud until accuracy turns into ease. Reading aloud, short daily reps, and clear feedback help wire sight to sound and meaning.

Hands-on tools matter, too. We explain how to use Play-Doh, tiles, or blocks to turn abstract letters into tangible chunks kids can build, swap, and blend. That tactile step slows the moment so the individual can notice what changes and why. As decoding gets easier, comprehension rises, attention frees up, and motivation grows. We talk about agency—how kids shift from being taught to choosing what to learn—and why letting them chase interests like sports or music turns reading into a habit rather than a hurdle.

If you’re a busy parent, you’ll leave with a weekend-by-weekend plan: validate what’s known, target one or two new letter combos, mix in read-aloud practice, and end with an easy win. Over time, small steps compound into fluent, confident reading and stronger study skills. Ready to turn mystery into method and help your child love books again? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review to help more families find these tools.

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© 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA.

Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

If school feels like a daily battlefield at home, there’s a deeper cause most families miss: confusion masquerading as misbehavior. We pull apart how unclear words, shaky reading skills, and assumed “basics” create stress that kids eventually fight—by checking out, acting up, or hiding behind test tricks that raise grades but kill understanding.

We start by mapping the hidden influences beyond home—teachers, peers, curriculum—and show how a simple gap in meaning can snowball into teasing, skipping class, or vandalism. Then we zoom in on the turning point: the moment memorization becomes a false fix. That short-term boost can look like success, but it cements a fragile identity built on recall, not comprehension. Along the way, we tie abstract subjects to real life: geometry as earth-measuring and property lines, algebra as a language of unknowns that shows up in projects, budgets, and repairs. When students see the “why,” motivation stops being forced and starts being chosen.

From there, we offer a clear path forward for parents. First, make it safe to talk. Ask what happened and what else without turning honesty into instant punishment. With the air cleared, stop chasing last week’s grade and back up to fundamentals—especially reading, vocabulary, and the habit of defining terms. Then rebuild competence through small, visible wins: setting the table to a standard, following a recipe, fixing something simple, or looking up a word and teaching it back. Link each academic concept to the child’s interests so learning connects to life. Pride grows from results, not rules, and behavior follows pride.

If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with one question you want us to tackle next. Your feedback helps more families turn confusion into clarity and bring curiosity back to learning.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

© 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA.

Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

Ever wondered why some students, despite knowing all the textbook answers, falter when it comes to applying their knowledge in real life? We get to the bottom of this conundrum in our enlightening conversation with Mike, a co-founder of the Competence Institute. Together, we unravel the enigma of the GLIB student and expose the detriment of misunderstood words on comprehension. We passionately argue for a shift towards understanding and applying, rather than rote learning and test-oriented education. Mike also generously shares his arsenal of strategies for fostering application-based learning, such as immersive methods and project-based tasks.

What if we told you that the future of education could be brighter and more engaging, emphasizing comprehension over memorization? In our second segment, Mike and I dare to envisage this optimistic future, wherein every student achieves a deep, practical understanding of their subjects. We discuss the transformative mission of the Competence Institute and the potential strides we can make through collaboration and advocacy. This episode is both a call to action and an invitation to join us on this exciting journey towards revolutionizing education. We end on a high note, reminding our listeners that true learning is about embracing understanding and applying knowledge. This is more than a discussion; it's a roadmap to a more competent and inclusive future for education.

Takeaways

-Understanding the GLib student is crucial in education, as it focuses on the ability to apply knowledge rather than just recite information.
-Misunderstood words can hinder deep understanding and practical application of concepts, and it is important to identify and clarify them.
-Modern education systems often prioritize standardized testing over individualized understanding, but there is a growing recognition of the need for application-based learning.
-Studying for application means learning with the intention of using knowledge in real-world scenarios, which develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:47 Understanding the GLib Student
01:58 The Impact of Misunderstood Words
02:59 Identifying Misunderstood Words
03:43 Challenges in Modern Education Systems
04:53 Studying for Application
05:31 Difference between Studying for Application and Test Preparation
06:02 Limitations of Standardized Testing
07:01 The Future of Application-Based Learning
07:50 Practical Implementation of Strategies
08:24 Tools and Strategies for Application-Base

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© 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA.

Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

Ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of textbooks and studying? You're not alone. Many young adults abandon their dreams due to the mountain of knowledge they believe they need to conquer. We, Ryan Kimball and Mike Tyler, challenge this narrative by arguing that success lies not in studying harder but in studying smarter. In this episode, we put the spotlight on words - the foundation of our communication and understanding. We equip you with the tools to master this foundation, to approach any information with confidence, and to live the dream you once abandoned.

We delve into the power of words in the second half of the episode. Words, when understood and used correctly, can fuel your confidence, clarity, and comprehension. However, they can also create barriers when misused. We share insights on how mastering words and grammar can revolutionize your growth and competence. The journey to empowerment begins with understanding the impact of words. So, are you ready to embark on this journey, one word at a time?

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

© 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA.

Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

Have you ever felt powerless as a parent, watching your child grapple with life’s challenges and unethical choices? Listen to the amazing journey of transformation; Ann Auburn, a doctor, and her son Jake undertook with the help of Mike Tyler. Their inspiring story showcases the dynamic impact of study technology and ethics, two tools that can help any struggling individual turn their life around. Ann, who had benefitted from study technology herself during medical school, shares the powerful effect it had on Jake's life, steering him from a dangerous path to a successful career in sales.

During this episode, we examine a turning point in Jake's life, when Mike’s guidance and the introduction of study technology helped him understand his unethical choices. The judge’s reaction to Jake’s transformation and the profound changes that can occur with the right tools and guidance. Finally, we delve into how ethics and study technology can be applied in practical scenarios, like sales and everyday life choices. Jake's story serves as a beacon of hope for parents considering similar paths for their struggling children, and an affirmation of the transformative power of study technology and ethics. Prepare to be moved and enlightened.

The: used when referring to a specific person, thing, group, time, etc.

Competence: the ability to do something successfully or efficiently.

Institute: refers to an organization that has a particular purpose, especially one that is involved in education, public service, or research.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

© 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA.

Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

What if there was a program that could turn your life around? That's precisely the journey Jaccob Dean underwent when he joined a life-repair program run by co-founder of The Competence Institute, Mike Tyler. This episode unravels Jacob's transformation from a troubled teenager to a director-level professional. It's an inspiring tale of overcoming the potent pull of substance abuse and embracing self-improvement.

Do you ever wonder about the power of confronting challenges? In the second part of our conversation with Jaccob, we traverse this daunting topic. Jaccob shares his experiences with 'The Way to Happiness' book and the profound impact it's had on his life. He outlines how he has applied these tools to his everyday life, from shipping items nationwide to making a real impact through estate sales liquidation. 

Lastly, we examine the essential role of literacy and learning in personal growth. Jaccob's story underscores the importance of understanding words and their meanings, a key to unlocking success. Coupled with the teachings from Mike Tyler's program, the power of literacy has guided Jaccob in his career with confidence. We wrap up our conversation exploring the positive influence of surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals. Join us for this insightful discussion rich in personal experiences and invaluable life lessons.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

© 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA.

Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

Is your teenager causing havoc and you're at your wits' end? Ever wish you could get into the mind of a former teenage troublemaker who turned their life around? Your hosts, Ryan Kimball and Mike Tyler, are here to offer you a lifeline, drawing on their own experiences and years of research to provide tangible solutions. As the co-founders of the Competence Institute, we have a mission - empowering young adults to reclaim their future, fill the gaps in their education, and pave their way to prosperity.

Imagine being able to rescue your teen from the brink, using a precise, step-by-step approach that promises exact results. This isn't just a hypothetical scenario - it's the study technology developed by L. Ron Hubbard that saved Ryan's life, and it could do the same for your child. We'll also discuss Mike's 20-year exploration into the root causes of non-survival behavior in young adults. Tune into our enlightening conversation where we'll reveal how the blend of study and ethics technology can empower parents to pull their teens back from the abyss and guide them towards a prosperous future.

Takeaways

• Education is key to improving one's life and achieving competence.
• Tailor-made educational programs can address specific challenges faced by different groups of people.
• Troubled teenagers and their parents can benefit from specialized solutions.
• Competence and happiness are interconnected, and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals is important.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

© 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA.

Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

In this episode, co-founders Mike Tyler and Ryan Kimball discuss their mission and goals. 

What if the house of your child's education is built on shaky foundations? This episode pulls back the curtain on the Competence Institute's innovative approach to education, with our co-founders Mike Tyler and Ryan Kimball. We focus on students who have fallen through the cracks, shining a light on how a solid foundation in the early years is critical for future educational success. Drawing examples from real-life students, we expose the deficiencies of the traditional educational system and discuss how we can bridge the learning gap by achieving 100% mastery.

We promise to take you on a revolutionary journey through study technology developed by L. Ron Hubbard, likening education to the structure of a house. We discuss how the Competence Institute serves as a beacon for families lost in the convoluted world of conventional education, accentuating the importance of individualized learning and mastery of fundamentals like language and communication structures. This episode is not just about shedding light on the challenges facing struggling students, but offering viable solutions that can change lives. So, tune in, and let's transform the educational landscape together.

Mike shares his personal journey and how it led to the creation of the Competence Institute. He emphasizes the transformative power of education and the belief in the potential of each individual to achieve greatness. The long-term goals of the institute include creating a society of lifelong learners who contribute positively to the world. The approach of the Competence Institute is based on the study technology developed by L. Ron Hubbard, focusing on building a solid foundation and addressing individual learning gaps. The Institute offers an individualized and tailored education program to help students master any subject they choose.

Takeaways

-The Competence Institute is a culmination of Mike Tyler's life's work, driven by a belief in the potential of each individual to achieve greatness through proper learning and understanding.
-The long-term goals of the Competence Institute include creating a society of Lifelong Learners who contribute positively to the world.
-The Competence Institute utilizes the study technology developed by L. Ron Hubbard, focusing on building a solid foundation and addressing individual learning gaps.
-The Institute offers an individualized and tailored education program to help students master any subject they choose.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

© 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA.

Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

Ever feel like homework wars and school stress are symptoms, not the cause?

We pull back the curtain on why family tension and unspoken issues quietly sabotage learning, then show how a simple practice—clearing the air—restores trust, focus, and momentum. Not with lectures or guilt, but with practical tools, safer conversations, and a shared set of principles the whole family can use.

To make this real, we share free resources: The Way to Happiness, a common-sense guide for parents, and How to Make Good Choices, a kids’ version written for accessible reading levels. Use them to spark your first family reset: review simple principles together, name where things went off track, agree on repairs, and design small wins that rebuild confidence. We also preview upcoming deep dives on the anatomy of learning—how to spot confusion early, convert it into competence, and help kids discover genuine interest through doing.

We share how honest, targeted conversations at home remove the hidden friction behind school struggles and behavior. A simple framework, plus free parent and kids booklets, helps families create fresh starts without shame and build momentum toward real learning.

• why clearing the air unlocks progress at home
• confusion as the driver of misbehavior and school issues
• how to make honesty safe without harsh penalty
• using The Way to Happiness as a shared guide
• kids’ booklet for simple, age-appropriate choices
• when to disclose and who actually needs to know
• building confidence through small wins and mastery
• what we’ll cover next on learning and motivation

Get a download or request free physical copies of The Way to Happiness and How to Make Good Choices using the link in our show notes. We’ll send enough for the whole family at no cost, postage included.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

© 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA.

Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

Bullying doesn’t start on the playground; it often starts where learning breaks down. We take you inside the root causes that push teens and preteens into the bullying game, then show how mastery, purpose, and true engagement pull them out—for good. Drawing on personal stories and practical tools, we map a path parents can use to make their kids “bulletproof” by restoring control over study, connecting lessons to real goals, and clearing confusion that hides beneath decent grades.

You’ll hear how partial understanding compounds into frustration and acting out, why a B can still mean 15 percent confusion, and how a simple shift to 100 percent mastery changes peer dynamics fast. We share the small consultations that spark purpose—questions that help a teen link reading, math, or science to independence and future work—and the exact moves to back up to fundamentals without shame. From misunderstood words and symbols to pacing and self-direction, we break down how to rebuild confidence step by step so progress becomes more rewarding than drama.

We also tackle the tough moments. Safety comes first: separate parties and remove threats. But the durable fix lives in study control, interpersonal skills, and a “defensive learning” mindset that keeps attention steady even when peers are unpredictable. Whether your child is being targeted or doing the targeting, the core repair is the same: restore purpose, master the basics, and give them the steering wheel. By the end, you’ll have a daily routine for visible wins, language to coach calm boundaries, and a lens that sees bullying as a replaceable game—not a life sentence.

We unpack how confusion and low engagement in school feed both sides of bullying, and how mastery-based learning restores purpose, confidence, and control. Practical steps show parents how to make teens “bulletproof” by linking study to personal goals and clearing gaps.

• why partial understanding fuels bullying dynamics
• engagement and purpose as the strongest antidotes
• backing up to fundamentals to rebuild mastery
• defining a real student as self-directed and in control
• using manners and interpersonal skills to steady social storms
• safety first, then address root educational causes
• one approach that works for both bullies and victims
• a daily cycle for visible wins and lasting confidence

Feel free to reach out to us anytime. We love to get feedback of people taking action with these simple but very powerful and well-researched tools.

If this helped, follow the show, share it with a parent who needs it, an

Click Here to get your FREE Parents Survival Guide and Good Choices Downloads and Booklets!

© 2024-2026 The Competence Institute. All Rights Reserved. The Competence Institute is a non-profit educational organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, nationality or ethnic origin in administering student admissions or any of its policies, programs or activities. COMPETENCE INSTITUTE is a trademark and service mark owned by The Competence Institute, a division of Team Tyler USA.

Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics Open Book Design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.