28: Why Kids Who Struggle at School Can Thrive at Summer Camp with Chris Gibbons

28: Why Kids Who Struggle at School Can Thrive at Summer Camp with Chris Gibbons

If the school year has your kid feeling like they’re “always behind,” camp can be the rare place where they get to be brave, messy, and successful—all before breakfast. In this episode, I sit down with former middle school special ed teacher and current Camp Nor’Wester director Chris Gibbons to talk about why camp can be a game-changer for kids who struggle in traditional classrooms. We explore “camp magic,” how tangible wins and low-pressure challenges build confidence, and why communal living helps kids practice leadership, communication, and conflict management in real time. You’ll also hear practical tips for choosing the right camp fit, how ACA accreditation supports safety and staff training, and why sharing details on camp intake forms helps set kids up for success—especially when neurodiversity, anxiety, or school stress are in the mix. Key Takeaways: * Why camp can be a “net” for kids who aren’t typical learners in traditional school environments.  * How camp builds a growth mindset: not good at it yet, but able to improve through practice.  * What “tangible wins” look like at camp—and how they boost confidence heading back to school. *  How camp naturally supports many neurodiverse kids through movement, hands-on learning, and variety.  * The hidden learning at camp: teamwork, leadership, communication, communal living, and responsibility.  * Why community living teaches conflict management and perspective-taking in a way school often can’t.  * How to pick a camp that fits your child (day vs. overnight, week-long vs. month-long, interest-based camps).  * Why it’s helpful—not harmful—to share your child’s challenges and support strategies on camp forms. *  The benefits of returning to camp year after year: community, continuity, and compounding skill-building. Find full show notes here [https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog/why-kids-who-struggle-at-school-can-thrive-at-summer-camp]: https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog/why-kids-who-struggle-at-school-can-thrive-at-summer-camp Resources: *  Camp Nor’Wester [https://www.norwester.org/ ]: https://www.norwester.org/  *  American Camp Association (ACA) [https://www.acacamps.org/] + camp search tool: https://www.acacamps.org/  *  Book mentioned: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success. 🌐 www.reframeparenting.com [https://www.reframeparenting.com/] 🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog [https://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 [https://airtable.com/appKDWv68R90QC3yu/shr40WbzdtvjwCpys] 💖Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/Reframeparenting ]: instagram.com/@reframeparenting 🖇️Threads [https://www.threads.com/@reframeparenting]: threads.com/@reframeparenting 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! 📝

27: Fresh Start Your Family: Firm-and-Kind Parenting for Strong-Willed Kids with Wendy Snyder

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). * 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 [https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog/podcast-fresh-start-your-family-parenting-strong-willed-kids] RESOURCES: * Free workshop: Three Secrets to Thriving with Strong-Willed Kids: https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/power [https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/power] * Connect with Wendy Snyder: https://freshstartfamilyonline.com [https://freshstartfamilyonline.com] 🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success. 🌐 www.reframeparenting.com [https://www.reframeparenting.com/] 🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog [https://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 [https://airtable.com/appKDWv68R90QC3yu/shr40WbzdtvjwCpys] 💖Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/Reframeparenting ]: instagram.com/@reframeparenting 🖇️Threads [https://www.threads.com/@reframeparenting]: threads.com/@reframeparenting 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! 📝

26: Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades: The Real Reasons Kids Struggle at School with Dr. Linda Silbert

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]: 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. 🌐 www.reframeparenting.com [https://www.reframeparenting.com/] 🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog [https://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 [https://airtable.com/appKDWv68R90QC3yu/shr40WbzdtvjwCpys] 💖Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/Reframeparenting ]: instagram.com/@reframeparenting 🖇️Threads [https://www.threads.com/@reframeparenting]: threads.com/@reframeparenting 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! 📝

25: ADHD Medication & Mental Health Support at School with Briana Cullen

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/understanding-adhd-medication-mental-health-support-at-school]: https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog/adhd-medication-mental-health-support-school Quick Links: * SkyLake Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Clinic [https://www.skylakes.org/services/behavioral-health/] (Southern Oregon) — referral-based; telehealth available in Oregon * Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child by Julie F. Skolnick [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/90590145-gifted-and-distractible] (book recommendation) 🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success. 🌐 www.reframeparenting.com [https://www.reframeparenting.com/] 🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog [https://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 [https://airtable.com/appKDWv68R90QC3yu/shr40WbzdtvjwCpys] 💖Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/Reframeparenting ]: instagram.com/@reframeparenting 🖇️Threads [https://www.threads.com/@reframeparenting]: threads.com/@reframeparenting 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! 📝

24: Understanding Your Child’s Behavior Through Their Personality

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]: https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog/podcast-understanding-childs-behavior-through-personality Quick Links: Karen’s website (Teaching Our Youth) [https://www.teachingouryouth.com/home] Recommended Resources: Different Children, Different Needs by Dr. Charles Boyd [https://www.reframeparenting.com/blog/podcast-understanding-childs-behavior-through-personality](affiliate link) 🎒 Follow Reframe Parenting for use-now tools and strategies for school success. 🌐 www.reframeparenting.com [https://www.reframeparenting.com/] 🎧 Visit www.reframeparenting.com/blog [https://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 [https://airtable.com/appKDWv68R90QC3yu/shr40WbzdtvjwCpys] 💖Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/Reframeparenting ]: instagram.com/@reframeparenting 🖇️Threads [https://www.threads.com/@reframeparenting]: threads.com/@reframeparenting 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! 📝