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, and collaboratively without turning every school meeting into a battle.

We also tackle one of the biggest misconceptions adults make when supporting children:

What if the behavior isn't the problem?
What if the real issue is a missing skill or an unmet need?

In This Episode We Discuss:

• How to shift school conversations from deficits to strengths
• What to do when every meeting seems focused on what's wrong
• Why children often need support not punishment
• How reading struggles, executive functioning challenges, and emotional regulation difficulties can be mistaken for defiance
• What school psychologists wish parents knew about the special education process
• How to tell the difference between "can't" and "won't"

Key Takeaways

1. Behavior is Communication

Instead of asking:

"Why won't they do it?"

Try asking: "What's making this hard?"

2. Ask for the Data

If you're receiving repeated calls or concerns from school, ask:

• What interventions have been tried?
• Which interventions helped?
• How is progress being tracked?

3. Special Education is a Service, Not a Place

One of the biggest myths parents believe is that an IEP automatically means a separate classroom.

It doesn't.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

You don't need to understand every educational acronym or legal term.

5. Lead With Strengths

Mariah's advice was simple but powerful:

Before anyone else can see the good in your child, you have to see it first.

Free Resource: Prior Written Notice Template

If you've requested support from your school and aren't sure what to do next, Mariah shares a free Prior Written Notice template that parents can use when requesting evaluations and services.

This resource helps you document concerns and understand your rights throughout the process.

click here

Want More Support?

Mariah has created a comprehensive Special Education Advocacy System that walks parents through:

• Evaluations
• 504 Plans
• IEPs
• Scripts for difficult conversations
• Special education law
• Documentation systems
• Advocacy tools

If you've ever felt overwhelmed navigating the school system, this resource was created specifically for you.

https://stan.store/Wholisticallypsyched/p/the-special-education-support-system-

Mariah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholistically_psyched/

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 creativity, problem-solving skills, and independence—and why giving your child space to figure out their own fun may be one of the best gifts you can give them this summer.

In this episode, we cover:
• Why boredom is beneficial for child development
• The pressure parents feel to constantly entertain their children
• How boredom builds creativity and critical thinking
• The connection between boredom and executive functioning skills
• Why screens can make boredom feel harder to tolerate
• How to respond when your child says, "I'm bored"
• Creating a boredom jar or activity menu
• Why independent play is an essential life skill
• Simple ways to encourage self-directed play this summer

Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
• Independent Play Guide

Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:
The next time your child says, "I'm bored," resist the urge to solve the problem for them. Give them space to be uncomfortable, trust their creativity, and see what they come up with on their own.

Recommended Episodes:
• Episode 12: How to Challenge Your Child Without Overwhelming Them
• Episode 11: Practical Emotional Regulation Techniques That You Can Teach Your Child Today
• Episode 5: Why Behaviors Are Communication

If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.

You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

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 happens, how to tell the difference between productive struggle and frustration, and four simple strategies you can use to help your child build confidence while learning at home.

In this episode, we cover:
• What the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is
• The Goldilocks principle of learning
• Signs your child is in their optimal learning zone
• Productive struggle vs. frustration
• Why children shut down when learning feels too hard
• The 10-Second Rule before jumping in to help
• Using hints instead of giving answers
• The 3-to-1 Success Ratio for building confidence
• Why praising effort matters more than outcomes
• Simple ways to adapt activities to meet your child where they are

Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
• The STEAM Made Simple Preschool Curriculum
• Play-Doh, shaving cream, and other hands-on learning tools
• The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:
Become a ZPD detective. Watch for signs that your child is productively struggling, and practice waiting 10 seconds before stepping in to help.

Recommended Episodes:
• Episode 11: Practical Emotional Regulation Techniques That You Can Teach Your Child Today
• Episode 7: Understanding the Amygdala and Why Kids Melt Down
• Episode 5: Why Behaviors Are Communication

If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.

You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.