The Hidden Network Behind Every Child’s Learning

Parents' Guide to Dealing with bullies and their victims: Understanding Bullying in Children

Host: Erin Harrigan - Early Childhood and Elementary Education Specialist. Credentials: Master’s Degree Education, Best Practices National University B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development, A.A. in Liberal Studies, A.A. in Behavioral Studies, PCM Certified Trainer (Process Communication Model). Guest: Danyel Kilgore - Educational Consultant Credentials: Master’s Degree Organizational Leadership and Change Pacific Oaks College, 200 Hour Yoga Certification; Social Emotional Learning Facilitator Certificate; IB PYP Certification KEY INSIGHT Bullying in childhood is not a normal rite of passage — it is a global public health problem that affects one in three children worldwide and leaves measurable marks on their physical, mental, and social health well into adulthood. Research from Armitage (2021), published in BMJ Paediatrics Open, shows that bullying involves three roles — the victim, the bully, and the bully–victim — and that all three suffer real consequences. Children perceived as 'different' in any way are at greater risk, with physical appearance being the most frequent trigger. The study also reveals something many parents do not realize: bullying often begins at home through sibling bullying, which dramatically increases the risk of being bullied at school. And cyberbullying, while real and serious, rarely creates new victims — it is another tool used against children who are already being bullied offline. This does not mean bullying is hopeless. The encouraging news: whole-school cooperative learning programs show the strongest evidence for prevention, and parental support is one of the most powerful protective factors for any child, regardless of where they live. For parents, this episode is about understanding the warning signs, knowing what really helps, and learning what to do — and what not to do — when your child is hurting. DISCUSSION THEMES What bullying actually is, and the three roles children play in it Why bullying starts — at home, at school, and online The short- and long-term effects on victims, bullies, and bully–victims Cyberbullying and how digital bullying is different What parents can do to protect, support, and heal their children What the science says about prevention that actually works

The Hidden Gaps Parents Need to Know Between High School and College

Host: Danyel Kilgore - Educational Consultant Credentials: Pacific Oaks College M.A., Organizational Leadership and Change Pitzer CollegeB.A., Psychology/Child Development UCLA Extension Extended Learning, Child Development Coursework Guest: Cedric Jones - Former Educator & Workforce Development Professional The Willow Kids podcast introduces the launch of a tutoring pilot program and delves into the topic of hidden gaps between high school and college. The discussion covers challenges and surprises for college freshmen, differences between public and private schools, the importance of executive functioning skills, and the struggles in preparing students for these skills in K-12 education. The conversation covers the shift in educational standards, the importance of parent education and support, preparing children for the present context, skills beyond standardized tests, redesigning middle and high school, habits for college preparation, mistakes to avoid, and the single biggest predictor of freshmen success. Takeaways * Importance of executive functioning skills for college success * Challenges in preparing students for executive functioning skills Parent education is crucial for understanding the shift in educational standards. * Preparing children for the present context involves educating families on the evolving nature of education. * Failure and struggle are key to navigating life independently and are important factors in determining success. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Willow Kids Podcast * 05:31 Surprises and Struggles of College Freshmen * 10:59 Differences Between Public and Private Schools * 22:55 Importance of Executive Functioning Skills * 29:01 Teaching Executive Functioning Skills in K-12 Education * 37:13 Struggles in Preparing Students for Executive Functioning Skills * 42:47 The Shift in Standards * 48:16 Preparing Children for the Present Context * 58:55 Habits for College Preparation * 01:06:43 Mistakes to Avoid * 01:16:50 Predictor of Freshmen Success

Helping Your Kids Thrive in School and in Life: The Whole-Child Advantage

Host: Katelynn Brown - Developmental Specialist: Master of Science, Child & Adolescent Development, Northcentral University — La Jolla, CA 2024 Bachelor of Arts, Psychology California State University Channel Islands — Camarillo, CA 2022 Guest: Sarah James - Early Childhood Education Specialist: American College of Education, Indianapolis IN — Special Education Credential 2025 American College of Education, Indianapolis IN — M.Ed Early Childhood Education 2024 Indiana University, Bloomington IN — BA Religious Studies with honors, Minor in Jewish studies 2023 The conversation explores the importance of a whole child approach to education, emphasizing the impact of social and emotional skills, self-concept, and resilience on academic success. It also delves into the role of friendships, group projects, and nurturing curiosity in fostering a positive learning environment for children. The conversation covers topics related to child development, education, and parenting. It emphasizes the importance of understanding children as individuals and supporting their holistic growth. The discussion delves into the role of play, hobbies, and social activities in a child's development, as well as the significance of parental involvement and teacher observations. Takeaways * Whole child approach * Importance of social and emotional skills Supporting children isn't just about grades, it's about helping their mind, heart, and social skills grow together. * Celebrating effort and resilience is crucial in supporting a child's development. Chapters * 00:00 Emotional Side of Learning * 44:20 Final Advice for Parents

The Hidden Network Behind Every Child’s Learning

Host: Sarah James - Early Childhood Education Specialist: American College of Education, Indianapolis IN — Special Education Credential American College of Education, Indianapolis IN — M.Ed Early Childhood Education Indiana University, Bloomington IN — BA Religious Studies with honors, Minor in Jewish studies Guest: Vivien Firta - Early Childhood Education Specialist and Parent Educator: Master of Arts — Organizational Leadership, Woodbury University Bachelor of Arts — Liberal Studies, California State University, Northridge The Willow Kids podcast introduces the concept of nurturing curiosity and joyful learning. The discussion delves into the hidden network of learning, recognizing learning challenges, differentiating normal learning challenges from those needing extra support, skills that support a child's learning in school, the role of cognitive skills in learning, and the interconnected development of thinking and school skills. The conversation delves into the importance of foundational skills in building confidence and readiness for learning, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning and play-based education. It explores the understanding of learning difficulties and avoidance, the diverse causes of learning struggles, and simple ways parents can support and strengthen a child's learning system. Takeaways * Learning challenges may manifest as emotional distress * Learning difficulties may require extra support if persistence and guidance do not yield results * Learning is a web of interconnected skills, not a linear ladder * Cognitive and academic skills strengthen each other over time Foundational skills build confidence * Hands-on learning fosters a love of learning Chapters * 00:00 The Interconnected Development of Thinking and School Skills * 30:42 Foundational Skills and Confidence Building * 38:34 Hands-On Learning and Play-Based Education * 43:46 Understanding Learning Difficulties and Avoidance * 51:36 Diverse Causes of Learning Struggles * 59:26 Supporting and Strengthening a Child's Learning System

Why Do Some Children with ADHD Do Better in Certain Schools?

Host: Katelynn Brown - Developmental Specialist Guest: Erin Harrigan - Early Childhood and Elementary Education Specialist. The conversation explores the impact of ADHD on academic achievement and the challenges children with ADHD face in the classroom. It delves into the importance of finding the right school environment, the responsibility of schools and educators, and the support needed for parents of children with ADHD. Additionally, it discusses how early school support shapes a child's self-perception and inner voice. The conversation delves into the importance of early intervention for children with ADHD, the need for support in time management and study habits, the celebration of effort over outcome, and the creation of environments where children with ADHD can thrive. It also explores the strengths and creativity of children with ADHD and the changes observed over time with the right support. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of parental support and collaboration in the academic success of children with ADHD. Takeaways * ADHD symptoms impact academic achievement * School environment and structure play a significant role in supporting children with ADHD Early intervention is crucial * Supporting children with ADHD in time management and study habits * Celebrating effort over outcome * Building environments where children with ADHD can thrive Chapters * 00:00 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact * 06:26 Finding the Right School Environment * 21:40 Supporting Parents of Children with ADHD * 27:13 Shaping a Child's Self-Perception * 33:24 Strengths and Creativity of Children with ADHD * 46:25 Parental Support and Collaboration