The School Can't Experience

• #30 - Simone & Yani's Lived Experience

  In our first parent/young person duet episode, Simone and her teenager Yani share their journey through years of school struggles, home education, and eventually finding a path forward that works. Together, they talk openly about the challenges of separation anxiety, dyslexia, School Can’t, and the toll it takes on both parent and child.What shines through is their honesty, resilience, and the strength of their relationship as they navigate tough choices and moments of relief - from difficult mornings at the school gate to the freedom of “Beach Day.” Yani reflects on what it’s like to be a young person who simply couldn’t do school in the usual way, while Simone offers the perspective of a parent trying to balance care, work, and self-doubt.This conversation will resonate with parents facing similar challenges, and offer valuable insight for educators and professionals seeking to better understand and support families living with School Can’t00:00 Introduction to the School Can't Experience Podcast00:27 Meet Yani and Simone02:08 Early School Experiences: Daycare and Kinder06:05 Struggles with Mainstream Primary School24:04 Transition to High School and Lockdown Challenges27:06 Embracing Home Education34:13 Finding a New Path: TAFE and Future Plans39:57 Reflections and Closing ThoughtsRecommended ResourcesSend us a textSupport the show School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected] DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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• #29 - Symone Wheatley-Hey's Lived Experience

  In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt speaks with Symone Wheatley-Hey, an advocate for neurodivergent voices in education. Symone shares her personal journey of navigating 'School Can't' as a sole parent to two neurodivergent children. The discussion covers Symone's experiences with home education, the impact of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) on schooling, and the transformation her family underwent to overcome educational challenges. Symone also discusses the positive changes in her children's school and their re-integration into the education system. 00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast00:27 Introducing Symone Wheatley-Hey02:27 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)07:58 Freddie's Story: Early Signs and Struggles11:29 The Challenges of Homeschooling25:05 Returning to School: A New Beginning29:24 The Four Corners Experience33:04 Final Thoughts and ResourcesRecommended ResourcesTwinkl (educational resources) - https://www.twinkl.com.au/Jonelle Fraser, Aurora Education - https://jonellefraser.com/Four Corners Episode - The Kids who Can’t Go to School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSdhuqj04vQ Dr Mona Delahooke - https://monadelahooke.comDr Ross Greene and Collaborative Proactive Solutions https://livesinthebalance.orgDr Alfie Kohn. (Rewards & Motivation) https://www.alfiekohn.orgMaggie Dent, especially her book “help me help my teen”  https://www.maggiedent.comDr Natalie Thompson is at Charles Sturt University  https://study.csu.edu.au/find-courses/short-courses/microcredential-courses/intro-disability-affirming-classrooms  Love after love by Derek Walcott Send us a textSupport the show School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected] DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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• #28 - Dr Naomi Fisher on Parental Burnout

  Returning guest Dr. Naomi Fisher joins host Leisa Reichelt and School Can’t Australia’s Tiffany Westphal and returning guest Dr. Naomi Fisher to deep dive into the pressing issue of parental burnout. Dr. Fisher, Clinical Psychologist and expert in supporting parents with burned out School Can’t kids, provides valuable insights into recognizing, understanding, and combating burnout among parents and carers. You’ll get practical tips for self-care that are achievable even for parents who have little or no time to themselves. We also discuss the impact of systemic pressures and strategies for managing chronic stress. Whether you’re a burned out parent or supporting someone who is in or near burnout, this episode offers a way to understand what is going on and what can be done to help make the journey a little more sustainable.00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast00:26 Introducing Dr. Naomi Fisher and Parental Burnout01:33 Understanding Burnout: Signs and Symptoms03:49 The Impact of School on Parental Burnout04:47 Challenges of Home Education06:35 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Parenting09:58 Social Isolation and Judgment14:46 Inner Critic and Self-Compassion19:12 Rewriting Your Parenting Narrative22:30 Naming Your Inner Voice22:55 Creating Distance from Negative Thoughts23:06 Self-Compassion and Friend Analogy23:37 Thanking Your Inner Voice23:51 Managing Threat Responses25:28 Controlling Social Media Inputs27:47 Systemic Impacts on Parental Burnout30:11 Questioning the Education System34:26 Sustainable Parenting Strategies34:57 The Importance of Parental Self-Care36:37 Dealing with Shame and Household Expectations39:51 Investing in Mental Health41:13 Resources for Burnt Out Parents42:28 Final Thoughts and EncouragementRecommended ResourcesUnderstanding Burnout in our Children (Naomi’s previous episode on the pod) - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/16923733Naomi’s website (books, courses, webinars) - https://naomifisher.co.uk/Think Again: Naomi’s substack/newsletter - Send us a textSupport the show School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected] DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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• #27 - Diana's Lived Experience

  In this episode, you’ll meet Diana, a mother of two young people with School Can’t experiences. Diana joins host Leisa Reichelt to candidly share her experiences supporting her son James through his struggles with mainstream schooling.From early signs like separation anxiety and hating birthday parties and swimming lessons, to the challenges of advocating for access to Distance Education including supports for undertaking the Higher School Certificate (HSC).  Diana’s story includes topics like deschooling, misdiagnosis, and the importance of tailored support.Content warning: This episode briefly mentions a suicide threat. Please take care when listening.00:00 Introduction to the School Can't Experience Podcast00:29 Meet Diana: A School Can't Mum02:12 Early Signs and Challenges08:03 The High School Struggle17:29 Navigating Distance Education19:46 Coping Strategies and Support24:59 James' Journey to University37:31 Reflections and Advice40:30 Closing Remarks and ResourcesRecommended ResourcesUniting Youth Enhanced Support Service (YESS): Northern Sydney - https://www.uniting.org/services/mental-health/facility/yess-youth-enhanced-support-service-yess-northern-sydney-northern-beachesGrowing Yourself Up by Jennie Brown (Book) - https://www.amazon.com.au/Growing-Yourself-Up-bring-relationships/dp/1925335194Understanding Deschooling with Pavlina McMaster and Heidi Ryan (Podcast Episode) - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/17100428Send us a textSupport the show School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected] DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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• #26 - Kate & Daniel's Lived Experience

  In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by South Australian parents Kate and Daniel, who discuss their experiences caring for three neurodivergent children, two of whom they are currently home educating. They share their challenges with the traditional school system, the transition to home education, the realities of day to day life and low demand parenting, and strategies they use to support their children's learning and wellbeing. Kate and Daniel share candidly the complexities of home educating neurodiverse young people who have experienced school trauma, whilst balancing the challenges of societal expectations, and the importance of leaning on community support. 00:00 Introduction to the School Can't Experience Podcast00:19 Meet Kate and Daniel: South Australian Parents02:13 Early Signs and Diagnosis03:42 The Struggles of Traditional Schooling05:27 Transition to Home Education08:58 Daily Life and Challenges of Home Education19:44 The Emotional and Social Impact on Parents26:19 Reflections and Advice for Other Parents30:38 Conclusion and ResourcesRecommended ResourcesHome Education Network website: https://home-ed.vic.edu.au/Home Educaton Network on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeEducationNetworkSend us a textSupport the show School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected] DisclaimerThe content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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