The Educational DilEmma

Friendships can be one of the most rewarding—and challenging—parts of childhood. In this episode, we explore why friendships can be so complex, how they shape children's wellbeing, and the common challenges young people face. We'll also share practical ways parents can support their child to navigate friendships, build resilience, manage conflict, and develop healthy, positive relationships. If yo...

Emma is joined by Adam Williams and Will Goldsmith to explore the vital role that nature plays in children's education, wellbeing, and development. Drawing on research, personal experience, and examples from their own schools, they discuss how meaningful engagement with the natural world can improve mental health, foster curiosity, support learning, and help young people develop a deeper understan...

This episode of The Educational Dilemma explores how schools and families can best support children through separation and divorce. Featuring Head of Upper School and Mental Health Lead Mary-Kate Edwards alongside child and adult psychotherapist Tara McDonald, the conversation focuses on the importance of open communication, emotional containment and a child-centred approach. Together, they discus...

This episode opens up one of the most important and often avoided conversations in parenting and education. Hosted by Emma Goldsmith, with insights from Matt Allen (Senior Boys Boarding House Parent and Teacher) and Gus Faulkner (Head of Boarding and CHE) we explore how to approach conversations about sex with honesty, confidence, and care. From early foundations to navigating tricky questions, th...

After Reece Witherspoon's recent comments around 'chasing your talents and not your dreams' we invited entrepreneur Ed East, and executive coach Harry Hastings to delve a bit deeper into the concept - which should we nurture? Or are they intrinsically linked? Listen for lots of interesting discussions and remember the importance of the word 'yet'! If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to,...

In this episode of The Educational DilEmma, Emma, Rosalee and Lisa discuss how to instil a philanthropic mindset in our children. Useful discussions around whether empathy can be taught, how to start small and to not overwhelm, why your immediate community is so important, and why using your child's own passions as a starting point can be so valuable. We really enjoyed this uplifting conversation...

This episode will reshape your relationship with the type of content we, and our children, consume, and how we go about it. Kaitlyn and Emma explore how digital technology, especially smartphones, social media, and algorithm-driven platforms, are changing childhood, family life and education. Rest assured! Kaitlyn offers practical advice for parents who are not happy with their families 'digital d...

During this tough but valuable conversation Emma and guests delve into how we can best support children going through loss and grief of a loved one. We look at how the emotional and mental health consequences of bereavement can be reduced as much as possible, what support you should expect from your school, what practical actions can be taken, and how important it is to give yourself some grace. I...

In this episode of The Educational DilEmma, the first of the second series, Emma and guests discuss what it means to be a free thinker. Why is free thinking an important skill to nurture and what are the benefits of free thinking? We delve into how schools and parents can encourage this skill, and whether or not ‘thinking’ can be taught. If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please fo...

If you have children starting school or moving school this September, this is the episode for you! Equally all children can feel a bit vulnerable when moving up a year and the summer is often a good time to open to lines of communication and to discuss their fears. Emma, Emma and Bruce talk through the anxieties that children, and parents have when going through these changes, and what parents can...

In this episode Emma talks to Patrice Lawrence, Author and Journalist, and Emily Ainsworth, Head of English at the Dragon about where they found their love of reading and what it means to them. They talk about how reading has changed with technology, the real effect of representation in books, escapism, access to books, and how forming habits with your children can set them up for a lifetime love...

In this episode of The Educational DilEmma we discuss developing our children’s skills to be prepared for careers of the future, many of which don’t yet exist. Topics such as ‘can you teach entrepreneurship and what does that look like’, ‘does post school education actually work’, and ‘what could employers do to engage with young people,’ provide some thought provoking discussions. This episode is...

In this episode of The Educational DilEmma Emma Goldsmith , Dupe Witherick (Human Design Consultant, Podcast Host, Author, and Accredited Alcohol-Free Wellbeing & Transformational Coach) and Tom Schuller (Academic, International Bureaucrat, and Author of The Paula Principal) discuss how gender can affect your child’s experience through out their education and into the work force. They talk abo...

Neurodiversity Now (Josie Evans - Head of Learning Support at the Dragon, Louise Barr - SENCO at St Edward’s and Katrine Sawtell – Parent of two neurodiverse children) In this episode Emma and guests discuss how neurodiversity looks now in comparison to times gone past and when and how to go about getting a diagnosis and what this might mean. They talk about what to look out for in your childs beh...

In this episode Jack, Emma and Jack discuss the importance of creativity in education and childhood. Specifically that we shouldn’t forget the benefits of having fun, playing and to being a bit silly! They talk about the positives and negatives of social media and creativity today, what they look for in an education for their children, and share some healthy advice for our young creatives. If you'...

Moving town or city feels like a huge and daunting step; in this episode Emma sits down with Hero Brown – Editor in Chief Muddy Stilettos, Ben Procter – Founder of Oxford Property Consultants, and Alanna Clear – recent London to Oxford relocater, to discuss the positives and negatives of relocating, how to find the right school and home for your family, how to find your tribe, and what you need to...

In this hugely valuable episode Tom George (Olympic rower), Maia Bouchier (international women's cricketer) and Jonathan Turner (Director of Sport at Dragon School) join Emma Goldsmith to discuss everything from the mental health benefits of sport, how your family can support your sporting interests, gender mixed sports, and much more. If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please foll...