The Parent’s Guide to Public School

In this episode, host Miriam Brown and PA Erin Coppin delve into the complexities of helping children with ADHD tackle their homework. They discuss strategies and routines that can make a significant difference. From setting up consistent homework times to knowing when to be flexible, this discussion offers valuable insights for parents struggling to balance academic responsibilities with their child's unique needs. Listeners will learn about the importance of organization, managing emotional outbursts, and the delicate balance between academic work and extracurricular activities. This episode also emphasizes the role of parents in supporting their children's confidence and helping them develop successful study habits over the years. If you find these tips helpful, don't forget to share this episode with others who might benefit. Stay tuned for the next episode, which will focus on collaborating with teachers to enhance your child's educational experience.

In this episode, host Miriam Brown and PA Erin Coppin dive deep into the complexities of medication for treating ADHD in children. They explore the pros and cons of medication, discussing its impact on academic performance, social behavior, and self-esteem. Erin shares her personal journey as a mom balancing her medical knowledge with her parental instincts, and the challenges her children faced with ADHD medication. The episode also covers alternative treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and occupational therapy, weighing their effectiveness compared to stimulant medication. Whether you're a parent grappling with treatment decisions or an educator seeking insights, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on helping children with ADHD thrive.

Host Miriam Carey Brown interviews, Erin Coppin, a medical practitioner and mother of children with ADHD. Erin discusses her journey from initial suspicions to formal diagnosis, highlighting the challenges and revelations along the way. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinct differences in behavior and brain function between children with ADHD and their neurotypical peers. Miriam and Erin also touch on the importance of early intervention, to help children with ADHD succeed. This episode is part of a series aimed at shedding light on ADHD, breaking down misconceptions, and offering practical advice for parents.

In the 2nd half of this episode I discuss what to say when your child complains of boredom. Evelynn, Stella, Zaide and Yogi talk about what kids can do to entertain yourself when you don't have any screen time. I also talk about how to help a child who is misbehaving in school or refusing to attend because of boredom.

Being bored is a normal part of public school. Is this good or bad? Elizabeth Solis and I discuss the pros and cons of letting your child use electronic devices to deal with boredom. Every family is different, but if your family would like to reduce their reliance on screens this episode explains how you can do it.

Learning shapes is an important skill to help your child be ready for math in kindergarten. But it can also prepare them for art assignments that require them to draw simple objects. Lets talk about fun ways to help your kids name shapes and use them to make art.

Colors are complicated because there are so many different shades and variations. Learn what to expect when you start teaching your child colors. This episode talks about games and activities that can help you get started.

When you start to teach your child the sounds that letters make, you need to start simple. Learn which sounds to start off with and get some ideas for games to play to practice these basic phonics concepts.

I speak with Aubrey Merrick about what options are available for treating dyslexia once you have a diagnosis.

Does your child seem to be struggling with reading? Does story time end in tears and frustration? This episode, Dyslexia Bonus Chat Part 1 talks about how to find out what the problem could be.

Your child will do much better in American public schools if they already know the alphabet before they go to kindergarten. In this episode I discuss ways to teach your young children their letters so that they will be ready to learn to read when they go to school.

Sharing bedtime stories with your kid can help develop background knowledge. It has both psychological and academic benefits. Learn how to make bedtime stories easier and more enjoyable for you and your little one.

Which things should you teach your child before kindergarten and which things should you leave for the school to work on? Learn about writing numbers, fine motor skills, and number sense.

Now that your child knows how to say numbers in order and understands what they mean, it is time to teach them to read the numbers that they see around them. In this episode, learn about habits and games that will help your kid be a step ahead of the game when they go to kindergarten.

When your child can say their numbers, it is time to move on to helping them understand how to count objects. I will show you how to fit this into your daily life so you can teach without spending too much time. You will also learn about a fun game called Catch My Mistake.

Learning numbers and counting is hard work. It is actually several skills put together. Learn some easy and fun ways to make sure your child masters their numbers.

Learn how rhyming with your child can help them learn a reading skill called phonemic awareness. It's fun.