Waldorf Essentials

WaldorfEssentials.com Waldorf Essentials exists to support families who are called to an intentional, more meaningful approach to education — one that honors the whole child: head, heart, and hands. Waldorf Essentials offers intentionally crafted curriculum, training, and family resources rooted in Rudolf Steiner’s developmental insights. Our work bridges the beauty and depth of Waldorf education with the practical realities of modern family life, making it accessible, flexible, and sustainable for homeschooling families around the world. At Waldorf Essentials, we believe education is not simp...

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.waldorfessentials.com

Latest episode

Jul 2, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

{ Encore } Waldorf Planning Part 3 23.02.2023

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/waldorfessentials/_created/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WaldorfMelisa  

115. Did You Pick a Word of the Year 22.02.2023

Did you pick a word of the year? Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials challenges you to actually live that word. Refine. Focus. Unstoppable. Melisa reveals her word of the year and how to make sure you're utilizing the words you choose for the year. She reminds everyone of the importance of revisiting your word regularly and choosing to live consciously. You can also find us on YouTube "...

114. {Auriel's Light} What Does It Mean to Greenhouse Your Family? 21.02.2023

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE: Candle or Lantern Access include full video. https://www.aurielslight.org/store Melisa Nielsen Director of Waldorf Essentials   and Melanie Novakovitch Director of Seasons of Seven Virtual School   https://www.seasonsofseven.com/ Chat about a theory they call "greenhousing"   - Yes they reference plants and moving them in and out of the greenhouse but this has n...

113. Prevention is Better Then Clean Up 20.02.2023

Why is prevention better than clean up? What does that even mean? Prevention is better than clean up means take the moment to pause and give your spouse attention. There's a lot of distractions when it comes to parenting. We have to remember to partner in the distractions or else we get to the point we have a lot of clean up to do. Another example Melisa and Erik Nielsen share is when you let habi...

112. It Doesn't Have to Be Hard, It Can Be Easy 18.02.2023

Waldorf homeschooling can feel like a large feat to take on. Melisa has 15+ years of experience to help guide you along the way. Melisa inspires you with: - Foundations for early childhood - Waldorf curriculum by grade - Middle school and high school resources - Planning for peace planner and training meetings - Form drawing courses - Beeswax modeling - Wet on wet painting - Inner work and tempera...

111. Family Council, How to Lead Them and Why They Are Important 17.02.2023

Scheduling for an entire family can feel like a juggling act: play date, sports game, work project, etc. Join Melisa as she explains what “family council” looks like for her family, and how creating your own can help bring cohesion to your family schedule. Look out for some extra pro-tips on creating a family calendar. In this video you will learn: -Why setting aside time for your family meeting i...

{ Encore } Waldorf Planning Part 2 16.02.2023

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/waldorfessentials/_created/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WaldorfMelisa  

110. Coming to Waldorf Homeschool Late? 15.02.2023

Diving into homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re joining later in your child’s education. Join Melisa as she shares her journey through Waldorf education and provides reassurance and advice for families coming to Waldorf later. She further explains the foundation of Waldorf education and the value of looking inward when starting on this homeschooling journey. In this video w...

109. When You Feel Uncomfortable About a Festival 13.02.2023

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials has been in the Waldorf community for many years now. A common thing during festival times is feeling uncomfortable about a festival and why it is celebrated. There are many different ways to look at each Festival. Today Melisa focuses on the advent spiral. You can also find us on YouTube "Waldorf Essentials" Please share with your fellow parenting friends...

108. Attachment Parenting with Erik and Melisa Nielsen Waldorf Essentials 10.02.2023

Melisa and Erik share their experience with attachment parenting as they go through the 8 Principles of Attachment Parenting. 8 Principles of Attachment Parenting • Prepare for pregnancy, birth, and parenting • Feed with love and respect • Respond with sensitivity • Use nurturing touch • Engage in nighttime parenting • Provide constant, loving care • Practice positive discipline • Strive for balan...

{ Encore } Waldorf Planning Part 1 09.02.2023

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/waldorfessentials/_created/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WaldorfMelisa  

107. { Auriel's Light } Waldorf Early Childhood Resources 08.02.2023

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE: Candle or Lantern Access include full video. https://www.aurielslight.org/store Melisa Nielsen chats with the Early Childhood teacher at Seasons of Seven, Ms. Tiffany.     - Feel inspired by Ms. Tiffany's story from financial planner to Waldorf teacher.     - What is early childhood?   - How do you navigate early childhood?   - What stories are ap...

106. Working and Homeschooling, How Do You Do It All? 06.02.2023

Melisa Nielsen has been an entrepreneur and homeschooling parent for many years. Here's the tips she has for you if you're navigating this path for the first time or have been at it and are feeling overwhelmed. - Make sure you have your planning done - Set Family Rhythm - Create a Personal rhythm - Put a Meal Plan in place Have a weekly rhythm but also daily rhythm, especially if you have your kid...

105. Knowing Your Temperament Isn't Enough, Here's Why with Melisa Nielsen 03.02.2023

It can be easy to treat the Temperaments like a one-and-done quiz but there is so much more to it. Gaining a deeper understanding of your temperament and the temperament of those around can allow you to ease frustration and overwhelm. Melisa discusses the importance of digging deep into yourself and seeking to understand more about your temperament. She offers a reminder that doing this work in yo...

{ Encore } What Does it Take? 02.02.2023

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/waldorfessentials/_created/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WaldorfMelisa  

104. What Gift Will You Give Yourself? 01.02.2023

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials knows this time of year can be stressful, overwhelming and full of challenges. In the midst of planning gift giving for others. Pause and ask yourself "what gift will I give myself?". It doesn't have to be something big, it could be. - Cheap knitting needles and yarn to finally learn the handwork you've been wanting to. It doesn't even have to be something phys...

103. How to Create Self Reliant Children, Melisa Nielsen Waldorf Essentials 30.01.2023

Join Melisa as she discusses how to teach your children greater self-reliance. She explains what self-reliance should look like at varying ages and how to evaluate where your child is. She also provides advice for creating an environment and family culture which fosters resilience and self-reliance in your children. In this video you’ll learn: - What your children should be capable of doing accord...

102. Ask Yourself "What Do I Need Right Now" 27.01.2023

Melisa encourages you to pause. Put your left hand over your heart. Take a deep breath. Ask yourself "What do I need right now?" By being a role model in teaching our children a tool to regulate their emotions, we are healing generations. You can also find us on YouTube "Waldorf Essentials" Please share with your fellow parenting friends and homeschoolers. We are in this journey together. Hav...

{ Encore } 9 Year Change Part 2 26.01.2023

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/waldorfessentials/_created/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WaldorfMelisa  

101. New to Homeschooling? Melisa Nielsen Shares How to Get Started 25.01.2023

Welcome! Homeschooling can be such a rewarding experience but there are often many questions when first starting. In this episode, Melisa explains the most important aspects of homeschooling. She also provides resources for families with more questions or specific concerns. Waldorf homeschooling can feel like a large feat to take on. Melisa has 15+ years of experience to help guide you along the w...

100. Three Practices for a Waldorf Home When You Aren't Homeschooling or Can't Afford the Curriculum 23.01.2023

Melisa understands. She's been there when you don't have to nickels to rub together. - Maybe you can't homeschool - Maybe you can't afford the curriculum - Maybe you don't have the fancy art supplies Melisa has 3 tips every home can put into practice to create a Waldorf experience. 1. Turn off the media. Go to the library and borrow books. Read together, create a love for reading. 2. Do art. You d...

{ Encore } 9 Year Change Part 1 19.01.2023

Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams.   https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/waldorfessentials/_created/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WaldorfMelisa

99. { Auriel's Light } Planning Your Year of Festivals 19.01.2023

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE: Candle or Lantern Access include full video. https://www.aurielslight.org/store Melisa Nielsen from Waldorf Essentials has launched something new to support you through 2023!   This week's video is all about Festivals for the year: -Where to begin -What if you don't enjoy one of the festivals -Back up plans -Unpacking poo from childhood holidays -Festivals for younger chi...

98. Rhythm During the Holidays 18.01.2023

Melisa Nielsen shares what works for their family during the holiday season. It's not focused on specific religions and each practices special to your family. This is more about what's in the air, shopping experiences and invites to all the things. - Is your partner going to be home more for the holidays or out more working to prepare for the holidays? Have a family meeting. - Pull out the calenda...

97. What Are You Avoiding? Melisa Nielsen 16.01.2023

Over the years, Melisa has recognized (during her coaching) a pattern of disagreements many couples seem to face: more babies + hobby farms! In this episode, Melisa gets to the heart of the matter. She offers advice for women who are finding themselves having these kinds of disagreements with your partner. And she reminds everyone to take care of themselves and their relationships before jump...

Listen to the Waldorf Essentials podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.