Ever wonder why your child can't sit still during lessons? Why they melt down when they're wearing certain clothes? Or why they're suddenly screaming at you when they haven't eaten in hours? The answer might lie in sensory processing—a critical yet often overlooked component of learning and behavior.

In this illuminating conversation, occupational therapist Sarah Collins unpacks how our sensory systems influence every aspect of learning and daily life. Beyond the familiar five senses we all know, she explains how our vestibular system (balance), proprioception (body awareness), and interoception (internal body signals) create the foundation for successful learning and emotional regulation.

Sarah reveals the surprising connection between body awareness and emotion regulation, backed by research showing that children who struggle to sense what's happening in their bodies often have difficulty managing their emotions. This knowledge transforms how we understand "difficult" behaviors—what looks like defiance or lack of focus might actually be sensory overwhelm.

The homeschooling environment offers unique opportunities to accommodate sensory needs. Instead of forcing children to adapt to one-size-fits-all learning environments, parents can create flexible spaces that support each child's sensory profile. Maybe your child comprehends better while gently rocking, standing, or even upside down! As Sarah explains, "calm" doesn't necessarily mean "still"—it means the nervous system is regulated enough to process information effectively.

Most powerfully, Sarah shares practical strategies for identifying sensory needs and adapting environments accordingly. From morning routines that incorporate movement to sensory-friendly workspaces, these approaches can dramatically improve learning outcomes. She also discusses how to balance competing sensory needs when siblings have different—sometimes opposite—requirements for successful learning.

Ready to transform your homeschool experience? Listen now to discover how understanding sensory processing can lead to less frustration, more enjoyment, and deeper learning for your entire family.

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Wondering how to best parent your competitive athlete or dancer? Dr. Chelsea Pierotti joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast to reveal the psychology behind peak performance and what parents can do to help—and sometimes, what they should stop doing.

Drawing from her background as both a sports psychologist and professional ballet dancer, Dr. Chelsea shares why dancers face unique mental challenges as "artistic athletes." Unlike team sports with constant reactions, dancers follow choreographed routines that leave dangerous space for overthinking. She explains why even elite performers need strategies to stay present while letting physical skills flow automatically.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Dr. Chelsea unpacks why training for unexpected difficulties builds genuine confidence. Just as Olympic champion Michael Phelps practiced with broken goggles, dancers need to experience music cuts or costume malfunctions in practice to develop true resilience. This "training for the rare" teaches athletes they can handle anything—a skill that transfers far beyond performance.

Parents will particularly appreciate Dr. Chelsea's clear guidance on their proper role in youth sports. She advises parents to be supportive managers handling logistics, while gradually teaching children to communicate directly with coaches. Her mantra "control the controllables" helps athletes focus exclusively on their attention, actions, and effort—letting go of judges, referees, and other external factors they cannot change.

Perhaps most valuable is our discussion of redefining success beyond winning. By focusing on the "gain" (progress made) rather than the "gap" (distance from perfection), athletes develop healthier mindsets and lasting motivation. The 1% rule she shares demonstrates how small daily improvements compound into remarkable growth.

Ready to help your young performer develop mental toughness that serves them in competition and beyond? Listen now and discover how to support the journey of your athlete or dancer without stepping into the coach's lane.

Highlights from this episode:

• Dancers face unique challenges as "artistic athletes" with subjective judging similar to gymnastics and figure skating
• Performance psychology helps athletes manage overthinking during routines when automaticity takes over
• Elite athletes train for unexpected situations to build true confidence that can handle adversity
• Parents should be supportive managers rather than trying to fix technical issues
• By middle school, athletes should be communicating directly with coaches
• "Control the controllables" – focus on attention, actions, and effort, not external factors
• Define success based on progress and improvement rather than just winning
• Mental skills developed in sports translate to all areas of life
• The 1% rule promotes small daily improvements that compound over time
• Allowing children to experience negative emotions helps them develop resilience

CONNECT WITH US:

Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com
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Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace
Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

Are you struggling to launch your adult child? Have you ever found yourself wondering if you're overstepping boundaries with your adult child? Maybe you're caught in the cycle of questioning how often to text them, whether to offer advice, or if you're supporting them the right way? You're not alone.

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Dr. Jack Stoltzfus – clinical psychologist, America's launch coach, and author of "The Parent's Launch Code". Dr. Jack reveals that the transition to adult independence is challenging precisely because "the problem with young adults is they're adults, you can't control them." This fundamental shift requires parents to abandon old power dynamics and embrace a partnership approach.

Dr. Jack explains why this particular parenting stage feels so difficult, sharing eye-opening statistics including that more than 50% of young adults between 18-29 now live with their parents. Rather than viewing this as failure, he redefines successful launching as achieving self-sufficiency and responsibility, regardless of living situation. The real measure of success is whether young adults can stand independently while maintaining a caring bond with parents.

The conversation takes a poignant turn when discussing estrangement – with one in four young adults cutting off communication with parents for months or indefinitely. Dr. Jack offers practical strategies to prevent this heartbreaking outcome, including his innovative "five-year plan" approach that helps young adults envision their future while creating manageable steps toward independence.

Whether you're wrestling with questions about charging rent, setting boundaries when adult children return home from college, or navigating the delicate balance between offering support without enabling dependence, this episode provides compassionate guidance. Dr. Jack's framework of combining unconditional love with what he calls "backbone" (clear values and boundaries) offers a roadmap for maintaining connection while fostering independence. For every parent wondering how to love and launch simultaneously, this conversation is an essential guide to launching your adult child with confidence and care.

CONNECT WITH US:

Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com
Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com
Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms

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Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace
Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

America faces a reading crisis that's worsening despite decades of curriculum changes and interventions. In this eye-opening continuation of our Brainy Moms series on reading, Dr. Amy and Sandy interview reading and dyslexia specialist Donesa Walker. We explore why reading scores keep declining nationwide and what parents can do about it.

Louisiana's dramatic rise from near-bottom to 16th in national reading rankings offers valuable insights. Their success came through mandatory science of reading training for all teachers, high-dose tutoring for struggling students, and crucially, empowering parents with educational choices. Yet even this success story highlights a fundamental truth: schools cannot bear sole responsibility for reading achievement.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn when we examine the cognitive foundations of reading. Processing speed, working memory, attention, and other brain skills form the bedrock upon which reading abilities are built. Without these foundations, reading interventions become like "laying asphalt over potholes" – temporarily effective but ultimately failing to create lasting change.

Donesa explains why traditional reading interventions often show disappointing results in research studies – they simply don't address the underlying cognitive weaknesses. Meanwhile, a program called ReadRx combine cognitive training with reading instruction and has demonstrated dramatic improvements, with studies showing 4-5 year gains in just 24 weeks.

We also explore how background knowledge shapes reading comprehension. When children lack rich experiences that build vocabulary and background knowledge, reading becomes an empty exercise. This explains why the number of books in a home directly correlates with reading test results, and why programs providing free books to children make such a difference.

The conversation concludes with a paradigm-shifting perspective: every parent is essentially a homeschool parent, simply choosing where and by whom curriculum is delivered. This perspective empowers families to take control of their children's reading journey, filling curriculum gaps and providing the experiences and cognitive development necessary for reading success.

Join us to discover practical strategies for developing your child's reading skills beyond the classroom, and learn why brain health deserves the same attention as physical health in today's educational landscape.

CONNECT WITH US:

Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com
Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com
Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms

Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com

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Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace
Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

Wondering why America's children are struggling to read fluently? Is your child struggling with reading? Reading and dyslexia specialist Donesa Walker joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast to unpack the alarming decline in America's reading performance revealed in the latest Nation's Report Card.

With the wisdom gained from 30+ years working with dyslexic students, Donesa challenges our fundamental understanding of reading instruction. "Reading begins in the brain, not in the classroom," she explains, revealing why conventional approaches often fall short despite decades of educational reform efforts.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the neurological foundations of reading. Cognitive skills like processing speed, working memory, and visual-auditory processing, and reasoning form the bedrock upon which reading is built, yet traditional interventions rarely address these crucial elements. This explains why many struggling readers show the "two steps forward, one step back" pattern despite receiving specialized instruction.

We also chat about Louisiana's remarkable reading turnaround story, where targeted interventions and a holistic approach moved the state from near-bottom to 16th nationally in reading performance. While celebrating this success, Donesa cautions that addressing America's reading crisis ultimately requires parents to recognize their crucial role. "Every parent is a homeschool parent," she asserts, explaining why schools alone cannot solve our literacy challenges.

Ready to transform your understanding of reading challenges and discover evidence-based solutions that actually work? Listen now to gain practical insights that could change how you support the readers in your life.

CONNECT WITH US:

Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com
Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com
Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms

Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com

Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady
Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace
Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

Does your teen have an unhealthy relationship with food? Want to learn some tips for nurturing and teaching your teen some heathy eating habits? Join Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcasts as they interview Claire Ketchum, the innovator of the Peaceful Eating Method. Drawing from her own challenges with yo-yo dieting, Claire joins us to illuminate pathways for teens to develop positive body images and sustainable eating patterns. Together, we delve into the reasons why teens fall into unhealthy eating cycles and how parents can intervene with compassion and insight, fostering self-confidence and well-being without triggering defensiveness.

Dive into practical parenting strategies as we address teen stress and its impact on eating habits. We unpack the importance of identifying stressors, whether they stem from school, home, or social encounters, and how these can affect eating behaviors. Learn about effective techniques like the emotional freedom technique that can help manage stress and promote healthier habits. This discussion also touches on the delicate issue of self-esteem, especially for female teens, and how parents can model a healthy relationship with food to guide their children subtly.

Through empowering tools like positive self-talk, Claire offers strategies to help teens cultivate a resilient self-image. We explore how parents can encourage this growth by fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making about food choices. Uncover the challenges of immediate gratification and its influence on teens, as well as how structured habit shifts can lead to lasting lifestyle changes. Together, we provide a roadmap for parents and teens to break free from the dieting cycle and embrace healthier, more balanced lives.

Here’s a recap of what we talked about on this episode:

• Recognizing the impact of stress on eating habits
• The critical mother-daughter dynamic regarding body image
• Tools for initiating conversations about food
• Strategies for modeling a healthy relationship with food
• Addressing the influence of social media on body image
• Techniques for combating negative self-talk
• Claire's programs for parents and teens
• Encouragement for parents to embrace change and modeling behaviors

CONNECT WITH US:

Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com
Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com
Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms

Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com

Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady
Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace
Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

Feeling overwhelmed over the tumultuous teen years? Confused about your teen’s eating habits? Join us for a conversation with Bryn Miller, an experienced adolescent eating disorder therapist turned parent coach, about the profound impact of parental support on adolescent mental health and eating disorders. On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Bryn joins Dr. Amy and Sandy to help parents to bridge the gap with their teens. Discover how she utilizes whole family healing to tackle the often-stigmatized experience of parenting teenagers, turning it into a dynamic period of growth and development.

We dive into eating disorders, examining the roles of genetics, culture, and environment. Bryn sheds light on the vital part parents play in supporting adolescents through these challenges, guiding them to find information amidst a sea of misconceptions. Through enhancing emotional self-efficacy and fostering a nurturing family environment, parents can significantly improve outcomes for their children. Bryn's insights underscore the importance of finding true belonging within oneself and the power of emotional resilience in battling societal pressures on body image and values.

The conversation doesn't stop there. Bryn also provides practical strategies for parents navigating the emotional landscape of their teenagers seeking independence. Learn the art of "scaffolding" rather than "fixing," offering support while allowing teens to tackle their own challenges. She emphasizes emotional granularity, effective caregiving strategies, and the significance of self-care while showcasing how parental love can transform the family dynamic. With insights from Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Bryn equips parents with the tools to remain calm and connected, fostering stronger, more resilient family bonds.

CONNECT WITH US:

Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com
Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com
Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms

Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com

Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady
Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace
Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

Want to help your whole family make financial decisions and manage their money in a shame-free way? On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, discover how to transform your relationship with money as financial therapist Lindsey Konchar joins Sandy for a compelling discussion into the world of money management for the whole family. Lindsey skillfully combines her training and expertise in behavioral therapy with financial education, reshaping how individuals and families handle finances. From her personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and postpartum anxiety, Lindsey found her true calling in financial therapy, helping others understand and change their deeply ingrained "money personalities" and scripts formed in childhood. This enlightening episode promises to offer you insights into developing healthier financial habits and understanding your "money story."

Lindsey sheds light on the common patterns of financial avoidance and miscommunication in families, particularly prevalent among couples. We explore how societal expectations and personal money scripts can lead to tensions, and how finding common ground can facilitate more effective financial discussions. Lindsey provides actionable advice on aligning your spending with personal priorities and engaging in financial self-care practices. Her unique perspective highlights the power of approaching money matters with respect and vulnerability, paving the way for financial harmony.

Empowering the next generation with financial literacy is crucial, and Lindsey offers innovative strategies to involve children and teens in money management. Learn about her "four labeled buckets" method for young kids and how she encourages teens to take charge of their financial futures through practices like opening custodial Roth IRAs. By fostering open and honest financial conversations within families, Lindsey emphasizes the importance of building a foundation for financial independence and well-being. Tune in to gain practical tips and inspiration from financial therapist Lindsey Konchar, aiming to reshape your family's financial future and enrich your financial mindset.

CONNECT WITH US:

Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com
Email: info@TheBrainyMoms.com
Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms

Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com

Sandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLady
Dr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGrace
Dr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com