Development Desk

Amanda : Raising a Middle Schooler (Part 2)

In Part 2, Ana and Amanda move into the hard conversations parents don’t always know how to name—classroom behavior, discipline, sensory overwhelm, and when advocacy feels necessary but uncomfortable. They unpack what schools are required to do, why parents often feel brushed off, and how direct, documented communication can change the trajectory for a child. Woven throughout is a candid discussion about screen limits, social media pressure, and how our own upbringing influences the boundaries we set today. https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk [https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk]

Let's Talk - Your Child Has an Autism Diagnosis, So Why Doesn’t the School Agree?

Many parents are shocked and frustrated when a child has a medical diagnosis of autism but does not qualify for Autism services at school. This episode breaks down why that disconnect exists by clearly explaining the educational eligibility criteria used by schools in Texas, without clinical jargon or DSM language. Parents will walk away with clarity on what schools are legally required to evaluate, what “educational impact” really means, and why a diagnosis alone does not automatically trigger services. The goal is understanding, not dismissal—and empowerment, not confusion. https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk [https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk]

Amanda: Raising a Middle Schooler (Part 1)

In this first conversation of a new parent interview series, Ana sits down with her longtime friend Amanda to talk honestly about raising a middle schooler in today’s world. What begins as light banter quickly unfolds into a thoughtful discussion about identity, safety, values, academic pressure, and the emotional weight parents quietly carry while trying to do right by their kids. Together, they explore how parenting decisions aren’t always about the “right” answer, but about resilience, trust, and choosing the lessons we want our children to carry forward. This episode is a reminder that there is no perfect parenting, only intentional parenting. https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk [https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk]

Let's Talk About - After School Routines

After school is when many children unravel and parents are left wondering why homework feels impossible. In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening neurologically and emotionally after a long school day, and why dysregulation is not defiance. You’ll learn practical, realistic strategies to help your child decompress, transition, and approach homework with less resistance. The takeaway: smoother evenings start with regulation, not pressure. https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk [https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk]

Verenice, PhD, LP, LSSP : Emotional Independence and Tools for Teen Self-Reflection

What does it mean for a child or teen to become emotionally independent—and how can parents support that journey without pushing too soon? In this episode, Dr. Verenice D’Santiago-Eastman helps us unpack age-appropriate milestones of emotional growth and shares practical tools to help kids name their thoughts, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build their own self-regulation toolkit. From mindfulness to journaling to the right questions at the right time, this conversation will help parents support reflection without pressure. https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk [https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk]