Think Like a Kid

Looking for fun Halloween activities that sneak in a little learning without worksheets or formal lessons? In this episode, I’m sharing five hands-on Halloween activities I’ve done with my own kids that combine creativity, curiosity, and STEAM learning. From exploding monsters and bubbling lava lamps to building spiders and stacking eyeballs, these activities use simple materials you probably alre...

What if some of the things we consider normal in elementary school are actually getting in the way of learning? As a former elementary teacher and learning behaviour specialist, I’m sharing eight common school practices I think we need to rethink. And honestly, some of them are things I used to do myself! From traditional homework and timed maths tests to taking away recess and rewarding kids for...

Have you ever watched your child completely fall apart because they couldn’t figure something out right away? In this episode, I’m talking about why kids who are used to being “the smart one” can struggle so much when learning finally feels hard. I’m sharing why we sometimes accidentally teach kids that being smart means getting the right answer, and what we can do instead. Rather than immediately...

If you’ve ever heard the terms IEP and 504 and thought, Wait, what’s the difference? this episode is for you. I’m breaking down what these plans actually mean, how they differ, and why having a diagnosis does not automatically mean a child qualifies for an IEP or a 504. I’m also sharing examples of how the same diagnosis can lead to very different supports depending on what a child actually needs...

I’m sharing a reminder I needed myself this week: the finished product is not always the point. I had a simple preschool activity planned, but my three-year-old had a completely different idea. Instead of redirecting him back to my plan, I stopped and watched what he was actually doing. In this episode, I’m talking about why following directions and completing an activity exactly as planned are no...

I hear it all the time: “Only 20 minutes? That can’t possibly be enough.” But I stand by it. Preschool doesn’t need to mean hours of worksheets, workbooks, or trying to squeeze every subject into a packed schedule. In this episode, I’m sharing why 20 intentional minutes can be academically valuable while also giving you something just as important: dedicated connection with your child. I talk abou...

I’m challenging one of the most common phrases we hear about young children: “They’re ahead.” A preschooler being able to count to 49, recognize letters, or complete an advanced worksheet might look impressive, but those flashy skills only tell us one small piece of the learning puzzle. I’d much rather see a child deeply understand numbers, solve problems, communicate ideas, persist through challe...

Starting preschool at home can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out where to begin, what your child needs to know, and whether you’re doing enough. In this episode, I’m sharing why I believe we often make preschool harder than it needs to be and how to take the pressure off. I’m breaking down how I approach preschool with my own kids, why planning and teaching should be separate, and...

What do you say when your child is worried someone might say no? In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story about my preschooler navigating friendship and rejection at recess, and how I learned that preparing kids for disappointment can be more helpful than simply telling them everything will be okay. I’m talking about why confidence isn’t knowing everyone will say yes. It’s knowing you can han...

What if some of the things that look educational aren't actually giving your preschooler the learning foundation they need? In this episode, I'm breaking down seven outdated preschool habits that I'm actively trying to leave behind as a mom and educator. This isn't about being a perfect parent or never using worksheets, screens, or flashcards. It's about making sure we're building the foundation t...

Back-to-school season can bring a mix of excitement, nerves, and big emotions—for both kids and parents. Instead of waiting until the night before school starts, I'm sharing the simple changes I'm making now to help my children feel confident, prepared, and ready for the transition. In this episode, I walk through my family's back-to-school game plan, from adjusting sleep schedules and practicing...

If you've ever felt like nothing works when your child is having a meltdown, you're not alone. After spending a month on vacation with my family, I was reminded just how much changes in routine can affect our kids' emotions—and how important it is to have a few regulation strategies ready to go. In this episode, I share the one calming technique that consistently works with all three of my boys: t...

Counting to 100 looks incredibly impressive at the family dinner table, but is it actually math? In this kickoff episode of our 9-Skill Number Sense Series, we're breaking down a major misconception in early childhood education: counting is often just rote memorization, like reciting the alphabet without knowing what any of the letters actually do. If your child can rattle off numbers but still st...

What if some of the most powerful learning moments for your child are already happening in your everyday routines? In this episode, I sit down with pediatric speech-language pathologist Jennifer Adams Oppenheimer to talk about how simple moments—like getting dressed, bath time, or walking to the park—can become incredible opportunities for language development. Jennifer shares practical strategies...

What if just 15 intentional minutes a day could help reduce power struggles and strengthen your connection with your child? In this episode, I share a simple parenting strategy that's made a huge difference in my own family. Inspired by the "9-9-9 Rule," I explain how I use three five-minute windows of one-on-one connection throughout the day to help my kids feel seen, safe, and emotionally suppor...

Getting ready for a new school year doesn't have to mean endless worksheets or flashcards. One of the best ways to prepare your child is by helping them build confidence in who they are. In this episode, I share one of my favorite back-to-school activities that I used in my classroom and now do with my own children. The "All About Me Bag" helps kids practice self-expression, communication, and con...

Have you ever wondered if your child's "quirky" behaviors are actually signs of something more? Some of the traits that can be frustrating in everyday life—like endless questions, intense emotions, or taking toys apart—may actually point to a highly curious and gifted mind. In this episode, I share five common behaviors I've seen in gifted children throughout my years as a teacher and as a mom. I'...

Wondering if your child is ready for kindergarten? It’s easy to focus on ABCs and counting, but I believe the most important readiness skills go far beyond academics. In this episode, I share the three areas I would prioritize before your child starts kindergarten: independence, social-emotional skills, and a love of learning. I'll explain why these foundational skills matter so much in the classr...

Have you ever left a school meeting feeling like no one truly sees your child? Maybe the conversation focused on everything they're doing wrong. Maybe you walked away with more questions than answers. In this episode of Think Like a Kid, I sit down with school psychologist and special education advocate Mariah Choate to discuss how parents can advocate for their children confidently, effectively,...

Do you ever feel responsible for keeping your child entertained all day long? Between summer break, sports, camps, screens, and endless activities, it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you need to be your child's personal cruise director. In this episode, I share why boredom is actually one of the most powerful tools for your child's development. We'll talk about how boredom builds crea...

Have you ever wondered if you're challenging your child enough when it comes to learning? I recently received several questions from parents who were worried that their child was bored, frustrated, or simply not making progress. In this episode, I'm sharing one of my favorite teaching concepts: the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). I'll explain how to recognize the sweet spot where real learning...

Here's something I think about a lot: we know, as parents and teachers, that kids aren't born knowing how to regulate their emotions and yet we still expect our two-, three-, and four-year-olds to just calm down on command. It doesn't work that way, and it never will. That's exactly why I'm pulling back the curtain on my bestselling Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids eBook and showing you what's...

Have you ever felt like you were forcing a lesson, a conversation, or even just homework on your child, only for it to completely fall flat? When I started STEAM Made Simple, I realized that I had to simplify complex concepts not just for my students, but for myself. Out of that necessity, I developed the SIMPLE Framework . It is the exact blueprint I follow for every single thing I teach, whether...

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the transition from "sweet little kids" to the "big kids" in upper elementary, this episode is for you. I’m joined by my lifelong teaching mentor and 5th-grade expert, Maura Vivona, to debunk the stigma that older kids are "mean" or "scary". We dive into the magic of the "House System" inspired by the Ron Clark Academy and how it builds an undeniable sense of bel...

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) might be a trendy term in schools today, but it’s actually the heartbeat of everything I’ve ever done as a teacher and a mom. In this episode, I’m getting real about my early teaching days even including the time I was actually shamed for "wasting" instructional time by letting my students talk about their feelings. I’m sharing why I refused to stop, and how those m...