Episode Details

It can be frustrating when you aren't sure how to best support your child; especially when it comes to schoolwork. If you have a child who gets some type of specialized services and therapies, that makes it even more complicated. The good news is that strong communication with the professionals helping your child can make it much easier. 
The problem is that it can be a challenge to figure out HOW to do it seamlessly; so you get the information you need to help your child.

That's why in episode 20, I share simple, effective tips for communicating with your child's teachers and other school professionals (e.g., speech pathologists, coaches, social workers, etc.).

I share:
 
✅How to approach school staff in a non-threatening, supportive way so you can get on the same page about what your child needs.

✅What information you should share with school staff ASAP so you can have good communication through the year
 
✅Why school staff sometimes don't respond to communication attempts (plus tips for getting a quicker response).
 
✅Why you should approach school staff about concerns relating to your child instead of waiting for them to initiate.

Also, remember to check out my free parent guide to learn the set of skills kids need in order to stay organized, focused, and motivated during their day-to-day tasks like chores and homework. You can sign up for the guide here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/parentguide

The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding. 

Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional ti