BTDubs Podcast

The Mom Panel - IEP Meetings 101: How to Advocate for Your Child (When No One Teaches You)

The IEP process can feel impossible to navigate—especially when no one teaches parents what to ask for, what their child is legally entitled to, or how to push back when a school district cuts corners. In this episode of The Mom Panel on BTDubs Podcast, Jackie, Michelle, Jill, and Tiesha break down what families need to know about special education, IEP meetings, and school evaluations, including why a quick screener isn’t the same as a full assessment and how federal special education law impacts what schools must provide. Michelle shares real-world insight from her first client IEP meeting and explains key concepts parents hear all the time—like FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), Child Find, LRE (Least Restrictive Environment), accommodations, goals, and what meaningful progress should look like. We also talk about how parents can get “wait and see” or “we don’t see it at school” responses, why kids can mask behaviors in the classroom, and why documenting concerns matters. Plus, the conversation expands into real-life parenting: screen time, behavior changes, how technology affects kids’ frustration tolerance, and how overwhelmed parents can still find ways to show up for their child’s needs—without shame. If you’re a parent of a child with learning differences, ADHD, autism, behavioral challenges, or you’re simply wondering whether your child needs support at school, this episode will give you language, confidence, and next steps. In this episode, we cover: * What to expect in an IEP meeting and how to advocate for your child * Screeners vs. full evaluations (and why assessments matter) * How to request an evaluation using Child Find * IEP goals, progress monitoring, and what schools are required to do * General education vs. resource support vs. special education settings (LRE) * Screen time, behavior, and why kids act different at home vs. school Follow & connect: Find The Mom Panel on Instagram for updates, giveaways, and how to submit your story for the show. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2244134/support] Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at:  BTDubsWithJackie@gmail.com

The Mom Panel -- Choosing Motherhood Alone with Special Guest Auntie Taibella

Welcome to The Mom Panel, where real moms talk about the wild, the weird, and the wonderful sides of parenting. 💕 In this week’s episode, we meet Auntie Taibella — a hilarious, outspoken, and inspiring woman who decided to become a mom completely on her own. Her journey through IVF, embryo adoption, and solo motherhood is equal parts funny, raw, and jaw-dropping. From unexpected twists to laugh-out-loud moments, this episode proves there’s no single path to family. 🎙️ Watch if you love: Real talk about fertility and motherhood Stories of women doing it their way Laughter, honesty, and a sprinkle of chaos ✨ Topics you’ll hear: What it really means to adopt an embryo How she found courage to start her family solo Why motherhood doesn’t have one definition The funny and emotional truths behind IVF life Join hosts Jackie, Michelle, Jill, and Tiesha as they welcome Auntie Taibella into the Mom Panel circle for one unforgettable conversation full of heart and humor. Follow us on Instagram at: The_Mom_Panel for a chance at winning a $25 giftcard to www.taibellabamboo.com Today's Show Links: Auntie TaiBella's Website: www.taibellabamboo.com Find her on Facebook Group: Tai Bella Bamboo TikTok: TaiBellaBamboo WhatNot App: https://whatnot.com/invite/taibellabamboo 👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly mom-life discussions and relatable laughs! #TheMomPanel #SingleMomByChoice #EmbryoAdoption #FunnyMomPodcast #MotherhoodUnfiltered #IVFJourney #PodcastForMoms #MomHumor #ParentingPodcast #WomenEmpowerment #TheMomPanelPodcast #MomLifeUncensored Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2244134/support] Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at:  BTDubsWithJackie@gmail.com

The Mom Panel: Permission to Pause - Why Mom “Me Time” Matters

Feeling guilty for wanting five minutes alone? Same. In this candid Mom Panel episode, Jackie, Michelle, Jill, and Tiesha get real about mom guilt and the essential role of me-time in preventing burnout. We talk bedtime routines that create breathing room, early-morning resets, realistic micro breaks (hello, 10-minute walk), and reframing self-care as the fuel that makes you a better parent and partner—not a selfish act. You’ll also hear a sweet peek into family traditions (Rosh Hashanah, apple picking), how to prep siblings for a new baby with 1:1 time, and why two things can be true: you love your kids deeply and you need a break. We close with a reminder that you matter—your mental health, your marriage/partnership, and your identity beyond motherhood. What you’ll learn * How to reframe me-time so it actually reduces guilt * Micro me-time ideas that fit busy days (5–15 minutes) * Bedtime and morning routines that create consistent breathing room * Making space for your partner and each child without adding hours to the day * Signs you’re overdue for a reset (impatience, snap responses, simmering burnout) * Simple language to explain early bedtimes/daylight changes to kids Callouts from the convo * “Two things can be true: devoted mom and me-time.” * “If you don’t pause, burnout does the pausing for you.” * “Me-time is how I show up better for my family.” Resources mentioned – Weekly therapy/care hour as a standing appointment – Early bedtime windows for kids to protect adult recharge time – 10-minute walk + quick friend call = fast nervous-system reset Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2244134/support] Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at:  BTDubsWithJackie@gmail.com

The Mom Panel: Breaking Generational Cycles — Trauma with a lowercase t, Uppercase Grace

This week on The Mom Panel, we talk about breaking generational cycles and healing while raising our children. From cultural patterns and family expectations to mom guilt, judgment, and emotional triggers, we explore what it really means to parent differently from how we were raised. The conversation dives into awareness, self-regulation, and grace—how we can do better without shaming those who came before us. Real stories, honest insights, and a reminder that healing ourselves is part of raising emotionally healthy kids. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2244134/support] Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at:  BTDubsWithJackie@gmail.com

The Mom Panel: I Swore I’d Never Do That - Parenting from a Place of Awareness and Healing

The discussion delves into the complexities of parenting, focusing on the differences between punishment and discipline. It highlights personal experiences and reflections from various parents on how they were disciplined as children and how they are striving to change those patterns with their own kids. The conversation covers the effects of punishment leading to shame and fear, and the importance of discipline aiming for long-term positive behavior. It touches on the personal struggles of acknowledging past trauma, the importance of self-awareness, and the need to approach parenting with empathy and continuous self-improvement. The dialogue also covers the challenges of dealing with children with special needs and the emotional guilt and responsibility parents feel. Emphasis is placed on the importance of forgiving past parental mistakes, self-healing, setting boundaries, and creating a loving environment for children to thrive. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2244134/support] Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at:  BTDubsWithJackie@gmail.com