52. Please Yell at My Kids: Rebuilding the Parenting Village in America
What if the key to raising confident, independent kids isn’t doing more—but letting go a little? In this episode, we sit down with Marina Lopes, author of Please Yell at My Kids, to explore how community shapes childhood. Drawing from years of travel and conversations with parents around the globe, Marina shares insights into how different cultures support both children and caregivers. We talk about the loneliness of American parenting, the pressure to perform, and why the breakdown of extended families and community ties impacts our kids more than we realize. From spontaneous neighborhood playdates to rethinking our approach to parental control, this conversation invites us to imagine a more connected, less anxious way of raising children—one where we trust others, embrace imperfection, and build a village around our kids.
The Education Breakdown
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52:49
51. Kindergarten Readiness: What Teachers Wish Every Parent Knew
Worried about getting your child ready for kindergarten? You’re not alone—and the good news is, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In this episode, we’ve gathered wisdom straight from seasoned kindergarten teachers to give you the real essentials of kindergarten readiness. No expensive supplies. No Pinterest-perfect crafts. Just everyday routines, bite-sized strategies, and developmentally supportive tips you can start today.
You’ll learn the 6 most important areas to focus on this summer—including social skills, independence, and early literacy—all shared with encouragement and realism. Whether you're feeling excited, anxious, or a little sad about this big transition, this episode is here to support you and your child.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ What kindergarten teachers really want kids to be able to do
✅ How to teach ABCs and counting without workbooks
✅ Why independence matters more than early academics
✅ The value of social-emotional readiness—and how to support it
✅ How to make the transition smooth without creating pressure
Join us today!
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50. Is a Dual Language Immersion Program Right for Your Child?
If you’ve ever wondered whether enrolling your child in a dual language immersion (DLI) program is the right move, you’re not alone. As an education consultant, I hear this question all the time—and in this episode, we’re breaking it down together. We’ll dive into what DLI programs actually are, why they’re growing in popularity across the U.S., and what makes them so appealing to families hoping to raise bilingual kids.
You’ll learn:
The difference between 50/50 and 90/10 language models
The real benefits of bilingualism, from better memory to higher adaptability
Common concerns, like whether your child will fall behind in English
The type of child (and family) that tends to thrive in these programs
And key questions to ask before committing to a DLI school
Whether you’re excited about the idea of raising a bilingual child or feeling overwhelmed by what it would mean for your family, this episode is your starting point. As always, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but by the end, you’ll feel more confident knowing what to consider and what to ask.
Listen in, take what resonates, and remember—you know your child best.
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49. Personalized Learning for Every Student: Welcome to Fusion Academy
In this episode of The Education Breakdown, Sarah sits down with Jenna Cheney and Brett Garrison from Fusion Academy, a unique one-to-one learning model with 84 locations across the U.S. They discuss how Fusion provides a personalized education experience for 6th–12th grade students, particularly those who need individualized support due to social, emotional, or learning differences.
Jenna and Brett share inspiring success stories of students who have thrived in Fusion’s flexible environment, which includes customized scheduling, virtual class options, and daily communication with parents. They also highlight the importance of socialization through clubs and activities, ensuring that students not only receive tailored academic instruction but also build essential social and teamwork skills.
Whether your child is struggling in a traditional school setting, needs executive functioning support, or is academically advanced and looking for a customized learning experience, this episode provides valuable insights into how a one-to-one education model can help students reach their full potential.
Tune in to learn more about how Fusion Academy is redefining personalized learning!
Fusion Academy dot com
-The Education Breakdown
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48. Should You Switch Schools? What to Consider Before Making a Change
As a parent, you want your child to feel safe, supported, and engaged in their learning. But what happens when something feels off? If your child dreads school, struggles academically, or faces ongoing challenges that aren’t improving, you may be wondering: Is this the right school for my child?
In this episode, I’ll walk you through:
Common reasons parents start questioning their child’s school fit, including:
A lack of support for learning differences or special needs
A mismatch between your child’s learning style and the school’s approach
Emotional distress, anxiety, or frequent school refusal
Social challenges, including bullying that isn’t being addressed
Logistical or family changes that make the current school less practical
How to assess whether the issues are temporary or long-term concerns
Steps to take before making a switch
Why trusting your instincts as a parent is so important in making the right decision
Switching schools is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By taking a thoughtful, step-by-step approach, you can determine whether a change is truly the best move for your child—and feel confident in whatever decision you make.
Listen in for practical guidance and reassurance as you navigate this process!
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Helping parents find the best school for their child by exploring different educational methods through interviews with teachers, administrators and parents.
Ireland