School challenges don’t come with a manual, and neither do our kids.
Maybe your child is capable but homework still turns into a nightly battle. Or assignments keep disappearing in their backpack. Or teachers are raising concerns but the advice you’re getting doesn’t really fit your kid.
You’re trying to connect the dots — and figure out what will actually help.
If you’re a parent trying to understand what’s really going on at school and how to support your child, you’re in the right place. That’s what this podcast is here for.
Parent coach and school navigator Scotti Weintraub helps parents of K–12 kids navigate school challenges, understand how their child learns best, and advocate for support that actually works.
Because school challenges aren’t about lazy kids or bad parenting — they’re about understanding what’s really going on and finding strategies that fit your child.
We'll cover questions like: -Why is my child struggling in school when they seem so capable? -Why is my smart child getting bad grades? -What’s really behind missing assignments and homework battles? -How do I help my child who hates school or shuts down at the end of the day? -Is this ADHD, executive function challenges, or a learning difference? -What are signs of dyslexia, dysgraphia, or other learning challenges? -What should parents do before a school meeting or IEP meeting? -What is executive function and how do I help my child build more skills? -How can I advocate for my child at school without making things worse? -What accommodations actually help kids succeed in class? -Why do teachers and parents sometimes see such different things? -What helps kids with focus, organization, and motivation? -How can parents support their child when school confidence drops? -What do you do when the school’s advice just isn’t working?
After navigating anxiety, learning differences, and the school system with her own kids, Scotti Weintraub became the person other parents called when they didn’t know what to do next.
Now she shares the strategies, insights, and questions that help families stop guessing and start getting traction. With solo episodes and expert guest conversations, Unlocking School Success explores what’s really happening for kids at school and how parents can respond in practical ways.
Press play and start solving those school puzzles.
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34: Beyond Guidance: How School Counselors Support Kids, Families, and Schools with Rachel Davis
Friday, October 2, 2026 • Duration 29:57
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
🎧 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.
Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at scotti@reframeparenting.com for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝
33: The Happiness Crisis: Rethinking How We See Our Kids’ Struggles with Dr. Jonathan Eckert
Monday, September 21, 2026 • Duration 29:24
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:
32: Five Back-to-School Rules We Live By
Monday, September 7, 2026 • Duration 11:04
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.
31: The Neurodivergent Learner: Helping Kids Succeed at School
Thursday, August 27, 2026 • Duration 33:39
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”
30: Helping Kids Build Executive Functioning: Common Parent Mistakes
Thursday, June 25, 2026 • Duration 38:03
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)
29: Emotional Regulation for Parents: Navigating Big Feelings at Home and School with Allyn Miller
Thursday, June 11, 2026 • Duration 38:09
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/
28: Why Kids Who Struggle at School Can Thrive at Summer Camp with Chris Gibbons
Thursday, June 4, 2026 • Duration 30:27
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?
🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.
27: Fresh Start Your Family: Firm-and-Kind Parenting for Strong-Willed Kids with Wendy Snyder
Friday, May 29, 2026 • Duration 37:11
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.
Key Takeaways:
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.
This episode will help if:
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).
26: Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades: The Real Reasons Kids Struggle at School with Dr. Linda Silbert
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 • Duration 30:45
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.
25: ADHD Medication & Mental Health Support at School with Briana Cullen
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • Duration 29:06
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
- 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.
🎧 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.
Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at scotti@reframeparenting.com for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝
🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.
🎧 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.
Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at scotti@reframeparenting.com for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝
- 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
🎧 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.
Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at scotti@reframeparenting.com for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝
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
🎧 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.
Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at scotti@reframeparenting.com for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝
Book recommendation: Beyond Behaviors by Mona Delahooke
🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success.
🎧 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.
Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at scotti@reframeparenting.com for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝
🎧 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.
Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at scotti@reframeparenting.com for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝
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.
🎧 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.
Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at scotti@reframeparenting.com for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝
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: DrLindaSilbert@gmail.com
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.
🎧 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.
Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at scotti@reframeparenting.com for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝
🎧 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.
Write a review for the Unlocking School Success podcast & share a screenshot with me at scotti@reframeparenting.com for a chance to win a free month in the School Success Library! 📝
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