What does it mean for a child or teen to become emotionally independent—and how can parents support that journey without pushing too soon? In this episode, Dr. Verenice D’Santiago-Eastman helps us unpack age-appropriate milestones of emotional growth and shares practical tools to help kids name their thoughts, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build their own self-regulation toolkit. From mindfulness to journaling to the right questions at the right time, this conversation will help parents support reflection without pressure.

https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

In this episode, we sit down with Claudia Flores, a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist who has spent over a decade working across medical and school settings. Claudia brings a wealth of experience and a heart for empowering families, educators, and students with language needs. Together, we dive into the power of early intervention, how parents can naturally support their child’s communication at home, and why genuine collaboration between parents and teachers matters more than ever.

You’ll also hear Claudia’s perspective on what real appreciation for teachers looks like and how small shifts in understanding can make a big difference for every child. You’ll walk away with simple, practical tools to boost your child’s communication skills—and a deeper understanding of how to partner effectively with educators for your child’s success.

https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

What happens when schools ask for more family engagement — but parents and teachers are already burned out? In Part 2 of our conversation, Dr. Cassie Romo shares real talk on balancing school expectations with family capacity, designing events that actually work for communities, and how to partner with grace on both sides.

We also explore meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities and how educators and families can keep the child at the center — even when resources are stretched.

This episode is for any parent or teacher looking to build bridges, not burnout.

https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

Dr. Cassie Romo has sat on both sides of the IEP table — as a school administrator and as a parent of a child with Down syndrome. In this powerful conversation, she opens up about what it means to advocate for your child, the overwhelm parents face in special education, and the communication gaps that often leave families feeling lost.

We talk about why your voice matters, even when you feel unsure, and how schools can create more compassionate spaces for parents navigating complex decisions.

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself in a meeting or worried about being “too much,” this episode is your reminder: you are your child’s best advocate.

https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Ashley Sommerhalder, we dig into the “what now?”—the screenings, tests, and small shifts that can make a big difference when you’re feeling off. We discuss why traditional doctor visits often fall short, how to advocate for yourself when labs say you’re “normal,” and why so many women feel dismissed in medical spaces. Ashley shares one accessible habit that improves mood, hormone regulation, and family connection—without costing a dime.

This is your permission to stop brushing off your symptoms. When moms feel better, families function better.

What’s one small shift you can make this week to prioritize your health without guilt?

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In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Jonathan Maese—an MTSS/504 Coordinator, teacher mentor, and community-rooted educator who brings a unique lens to inclusive education. From early childhood to secondary classrooms, Thomas has worked across age groups and systems, always centering students who are neurodiverse or behaviorally complex. We explore how schools can better support diverse learners, what makes a 504 plan meaningful, and why teacher recognition matters more than we think. Plus, Thomas shares insights from his work with Head Start and the teacher-owned coffee business he co-runs.

Every child deserves a system that sees their potential—and every great teacher deserves to be seen, too.

https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

When kids act out, it’s easy to focus on what they did—but the real power lies in understanding why. In this short but impactful episode, we explore the four functions of behavior using the EATS framework: Escape, Attention, Tangibles, and Sensory. These simple categories help decode the reasons behind challenging behaviors—at home, at school, or anywhere in between.

Whether your child is throwing tantrums, interrupting constantly, or melting down over screen time, this episode will give you tools to respond with insight instead of frustration. You’ll leave with a clearer lens and a new question to ask:

What is my child trying to communicate through this behavior?

🎧 Tune in for practical examples, calming mindset shifts, and one powerful takeaway: Behavior is communication.

https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk

What can a barber’s chair reveal about parenting, behavior, and childhood development? In this episode, Ana sits down with Paddie, a skilled barber and studio owner who’s spent years observing family dynamics while shaping up hairlines. From managing sensory needs for kids on the spectrum to noticing how discipline styles show up in the barber chair, Paddie brings a grounded, insightful, and refreshingly honest take on what today’s kids—and their parents—are navigating.

https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentDesk