What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use

What if your child’s challenging behavior isn’t the real problem—but a signal that something deeper is getting in the way? In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, Peyten Williams talks with Dr. Ross Greene, clinical psychologist, bestselling author of The Explosive Child and Raising Human Beings, and creator of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. Instead of focusing on compliance, rewards, punishments, or consequences, he encourages parents and educators to ask a different question: What expectation is this child having difficulty meeting—and what is getting in the way? You’ll learn why behaviors like screaming, hitting, refusing, withdrawing, throwing things, or shutting down are often frustration responses rather than the true problem. Dr. Greene explains why children need to be heard, why solving problems in the heat of the moment rarely works, and how parents can work upstream by identifying and addressing problems proactively. They also discuss why…

Artificial intelligence is changing school, childhood, and the way our kids learn—and it’s happening fast. So what do parents actually need to know about AI, ChatGPT, and kids? In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, Peyten Williams talks with Maggie Renken, an educator, researcher, professor, and consultant. Connect With Maggie AI: mrenken@isminc.com School transformation: maggie@buildkinship.com

What if confidence, strong communication, and leadership were skills children could learn and practice? In this episode Peyten Williams talks with career educator, former principal, author, and Wake Forest professor Adam Dovico about how parents can intentionally teach children the interpersonal and life skills they need to thrive in the real world. You’ll learn practical ways to help your child: Build authentic confidence Greet people warmly Use posture, facial expressions, and eye contact to create connection Ask thoughtful questions and listen to the answers develop stronger conversation skills Speak for themselves in everyday situations Grow genuine independence and leadership Think about other people rather than focusing only on themselves This episode will encourage you to raise your expectations, believe in what your child is capable of, and use small daily interactions to develop confidence, independence, character, and leadership. Learn more about Adam Dovico, his books, and his work at…

What should parents do when a child makes a poor decision, gets in trouble at school, or feels like they do not belong? In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, Peyten Williams talks with Bridget Johnson, founder and CEO of Dean’s Roundtable, about how parents and schools can help children learn from mistakes without rescuing them from consequences. Bridget shares insights from her experience as a school dean and explains why adults should lead with “connection before correction.” Together, Peyten and Bridget discuss how curiosity can transform difficult conversations, why parents should avoid immediately “coming in hot,” and how strong partnerships between families and schools support children more effectively. They also explore the pressures facing today’s students, including social media, overscheduling, lack of sleep, college admissions anxiety, sports commitments, and the constant drive to achieve. Bridget encourages families to pause and consider whether their goals reflect…

In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, Peyten Williams talks with Patty McGee, traveling teacher and author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar, about how parents and teachers can rethink the way children learn grammar. For many adults, grammar brings up memories of worksheets, red pens, and feeling corrected or left behind. Patty offers a different vision: grammar as a creative tool writers use to build meaning, shape sentences, and communicate clearly. Peyten and Patty discuss why shame-based grammar instruction often does not work, how children develop as writers, and why grammar play can be more effective than grammar drills. Patty shares simple, low-pressure ways parents can support writing at home through sentence games, word cards, magnetic poetry, Mad Libs, and everyday conversation. They also explore early writing development, including invented spelling and “scribble writing,” and how parents can respond in ways that build confidence instead of discouragement. One of Patty’s…

In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, Peyten Williams talks with leadership coach, speaker, and founder of Pleasantly Aggressive, Rebecca Malotke Meslin, about why parenting is not just teaching — it is leadership. Rebecca shares practical wisdom from her work coaching school leaders through difficult conversations, emotional regulation, and clear communication. Together, Peyten and Rebecca explore how these same leadership skills apply at home when parents need to talk with children about hard or awkward topics like friendship, technology, dating, school struggles, behavior, independence, and responsibility. This conversation will help parents learn how to prepare for difficult conversations, avoid procrastinating, stay calm when emotions run high, and communicate with both strength and kindness. Rebecca reminds us that parents cannot control how a child responds, but they can control what they say, when they say it, and how they say it. If you have ever avoided a hard…

In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, Peyten Williams sits down with Chris Cleveland, President of Wesleyan School in Atlanta, to talk about what he has learned from more than three decades of working with students, parents, and families. Chris offers honest, practical wisdom for parents who want to raise children of character without falling into the trap of over-control, anxiety, or constant rescue. He reminds us that parenting is hard, children are resilient, and our job is not to manufacture perfect outcomes—but to guide, shepherd, and prepare our children to make wise decisions. Together, Peyten and Chris explore the difference between raising rule-followers and raising good decision-makers, why mistakes are valuable opportunities for growth, and how parents can shift from a “microscope” view of daily struggles to a “telescope” view of long-term character formation. This conversation is full of encouragement for parents who want to play the long game: investing deeply in…

What actually motivates kids? And how do we help them develop a vision for their lives—without controlling or overwhelming them? In this powerful conversation, Peyten sits down with educator and consultant Chanita Jones to explore how parents can raise children who are self-directed, confident, and motivated from within. Drawing on her 20 years as a special educator, Chanita introduces her Liberation Equation™, a framework that helps kids move from being told what to do… to becoming young people who know who they are, what they want, and how to pursue it. Together, they unpack the tension every parent feels between protecting their child and empowering them—and offer simple, practical ways to build independence at every age. If you’ve ever wondered how to motivate your child without nagging, pushing, or pressuring… this episode is for you. Why autonomy—not pressure—is the key to motivation The difference between protecting your child and unintentionally limiting them How to help your child develop a clear…

In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, Peyten Williams sits down with college counseling expert and author Jay McCann to talk about how parents can support their teens through the college admissions process without increasing stress, pressure, or confusion. Jay shares what many parents get wrong about college admissions, why families often create a college list that is far too narrow, and how outdated ideas about prestige, rankings, and test scores can make the process harder than it needs to be. He explains how parents can move from coach to consultant, helping teens grow in independence while still offering wise support. You’ll also hear practical advice on when to start the college search (it's earlier than you think!), how to expand a student’s options, how to think about college fit beyond rankings, and what parents should avoid if they want their child to take real ownership of the process. Jay McCann is co-author of The College Finder, now in its fifth edition since…

In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, we sit down with Erin Carey, Executive Director of Trinity Presbyterian Preschool, to uncover why your child’s physical development is directly connected to their academic success, emotional regulation, and confidence. Erin explains why movement, motor development, and brain development in early childhood are the true foundations of learning, and how the way children move quite literally strengthens the brain, improving cognitive development, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills. We explore how young children’s brains develop through movement, why crossing the midline is critical for reading and writing readiness, and the link between fine motor skills and classroom success.

In this episode, we're joined by educator, author, and consultant Lori Cohen to explore a topic that is foundational to a child's well-being: the power of a parent's well-being. Drawing on her extensive experience as a teacher and her work with educators, Lori uses the metaphor of an "ecosystem" to help us understand schools—and how the adults (educators and families/caregivers) are a crucial part of their child's emotional landscape. Lori will share practical, proactive strategies parents can use to create well-being, from simple mindset shifts to everyday habits. This conversation is an essential guide for any parent who wants to be a strong, steady anchor for their child and create a healthy ecosystem at home. Lori Cohen has worked in education for over 25 years, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, site leader, professional development facilitator, and published author. While working in schools, she developed a Teaching Fellows program for new teachers, in-house professional development tailored to…

In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, we sit down with Anthony Thomas, a high school dean, to explore how to discipline teenagers, set healthy boundaries, and build trust during the challenging high school years. Anthony draws from his experience overseeing student discipline, attendance, and wellbeing, and explains how the role of a dean often overlaps with that of a parent: acting as a mediator, counsellor, cheerleader, and crisis responder for young people navigating adolescence. Together, we explore accountability, responsibility, and the importance of clear rules, especially for high school students living in an era shaped by social media and blurred boundaries. Anthony shares practical insights on setting boundaries and building trust with teenagers, enforcing consequences with care, and building strong relationships through proactive conversations. He speaks about the idea of using structures and expectations as “guard rails” designed to catch young people before they…

In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, we’re joined by handwriting instruction specialist Holly Britton to explore why handwriting still matters, especially for elementary and middle school students growing up in a digital world. With children typing more than ever at school, it’s easy to assume handwriting is becoming obsolete. But research and classroom experience tell a very different story. Holly explains how handwriting plays a critical role in brain development, literacy, motor skills, and learning, creating a powerful connection between the hands and the brain that typing simply can’t replicate. Holly also shares why correcting handwriting in the moment is so important for parents, and how small, early adjustments can prevent bad habits that become difficult to break later. You’ll gain practical insight into what to look for, how to support your child without frustration, and why handwriting instruction is about much more than neatness. Whether your child struggles with…

Join us this week as I chat with former elmentary educator and children’s author Christine Devane about her new picture book Elephant Beach and how parents of elementary and middle-school-aged kids can support both shy and extroverted children. If you’ve ever wondered how to build empathy between introverts and their more outgoing peers, how to honor neurodiversity including autism and other temperament differences, or how to translate classroom strategies into home life — this episode is for you. We’ll explore why quiet kids aren’t broken, how extroverts can become connectors, and how tools from the classroom (like offering choices and gentle invitations) translate into parenting wins around aquariums, library visits, birthday parties and beach days. We’ll also touch on ideas from Quiet (Susan Cain’s classic on introversion), the importance of seeing social comfort zones, and how you can celebrate your child’s style while helping them stretch in safe ways. Grab Christine’s book here to bring this joyful,…

In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, host Peyten Williams of Bowbend Consulting talks with Katherine Hamilton, Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, about how dual language and bilingual programs unlock opportunity, equity, and brain growth for children. Katherine explains how multilingual classrooms help students become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural—and why research shows that kids in these programs often outperform their peers academically. Parents will learn: What dual language and bilingual classrooms look like day-to-day How to support your child even if you don’t speak the second language Why bilingualism strengthens the brain and fosters empathy and belonging How parents and teachers can partner for multilingual success Whether you’re raising a preschooler or a high-schooler, this episode will expand your understanding of language learning, inclusion, and character development at home and at school. Listen to discover how bilingual education builds…

In this episode, Ted Sadtler and Peyten Williams dive into a topic educators think a lot about: the learning zone. Or, as teachers call it, the Zone of Proximal Development. As parents, when you're trying to teach your child to tie a shoe, load the dishes, shake hands with your colleague, or remember to pack their violin for school the next day, you're working with children who are in the proximal zone. But what even is this fancy term? How can it help me parent better? And by the way, is pressure a bad thing? What is the importance of play? And how do we know if our children are in the right zone for learning? Find out in this episode! Ted Sadtler serves as a Spanish teacher and Middle School Director of Teaching and Learning at The Westminster Schools, where he has been for 26 years. Ted leads division-wide professional development initiatives and engages faculty in a 1:1 coaching relationship. He holds a B.A. in Spanish from Radford University, an M.A. in Spanish Literature from The University of Georgia,…

Seventh grade can feel like a rollercoaster for both kids and parents. In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, Peyten Williams sits down with Shazeen Porbandarwala, a seasoned seventh-grade math teacher and grade chair at The Westminster Schools, to unpack the unique challenges and incredible growth that define this pivotal year. With warmth, wisdom, and insight drawn from years in the classroom (and her own parenting journey), Shazeen shares what really goes on in the minds and hearts of seventh graders. You'll walk away with practical advice, developmental insights, and the reassurance that you're not alone in navigating this exciting (and sometimes baffling) stage of parenting. Shazeen currently serves as the 7th Grade Chair at The Westminster Schools, where she has taught for 12 years. She also teaches Algebra. Shazeen holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Emory University, graduate degrees from Georgia State University and Lincoln Memorial University, and she is…

Join us as we welcome Dr. Regina Nixon to the show to discuss a crucial and often overlooked part of a child's educational journey: the parents. We've all heard the phrase "it takes a village," but what does it really mean for the relationship between parents and schools? Dr. Nixon explains how parents are a vital component of the school community, and how a shared purpose—focusing on the child, the school's mission, and its core values—is the key to a strong partnership. In this episode, we'll dive into practical strategies for becoming an effective "village member." Dr. Nixon will share advice on things like how to handle difficult situations with grace, including when and how to send that email when you're upset. We'll also explore what you should expect from a great school, and what to do if you aren't getting the support you need. Dr. Nixon reminds us that we are all on the same team and that a little humility goes a long way. This episode is packed with insights to help you build a better partnership…

Kids will mess up. They’ll lie, cheat, forget their homework, lose their lunchbox, and sometimes do something that makes you wonder, What were you thinking? But great teachers know: these are teachable moments, not final verdicts. In this episode, veteran educator Maryellen Berry from Whitefield Academy shares how the best teachers respond when kids fall short—not with shame or lectures, but with strategies that build accountability, trust, and character. If you’ve ever wondered how to hold your child accountable without crushing their spirit, this episode is for you. Real stories, practical tools, and a whole lot of hope await. Tune in and learn how to turn mistakes into momentum.

Guest: Lauren Davis, 6th Grade Teacher & Mom of Two Teens Host: Peyten Williams Episode Summary: If you’ve got a rising or current 6th grader, this episode is your survival guide. Middle school teacher and mom Lauren Davis knows sixth grade inside and out—from the locker struggles to the lost homework to the friendship drama. In this high-energy, deeply practical conversation, she shares exactly what sixth graders are really like, how their brains and social lives are changing, and what parents can do to support growing independence without taking over. Inside this can’t-miss episode: What actually helps kids take ownership of their schedule and materials How to teach communication and self-advocacy in real, doable ways When (and how) to talk with your middle schooler after school Common parent traps—and how to avoid them The one strategy she wishes every parent would try with their 6th grader With humor, empathy, and classroom-tested insight, Lauren equips parents with both mindset shifts and practical…

Raising a child who might be wired a little differently? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to guess your way through it. This week on What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, I sit down with Wrenn Baldwin from the Wardlaw School at Atlanta Speech School to talk all things neurodiversity, particularly dyslexia and dysgraphia, and how early pink flags might be worth paying attention to. We cover: ✔️ How to spot early signs of neurodiversity in preschool & early elementary ✔️ How to support big feelings and reduce family stress ✔️ Why collaboration between parents and teachers is key ✔️ How to advocate for your child with confidence ✔️ Tools schools use that can also work wonders at home Whether your child has a diagnosis or you just have questions, this conversation will help you feel empowered, hopeful, and equipped to raise a thriving child of character.

In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, host Peyten Williams of Bowbend Consulting sits down with expert 5th-grade teachers Tom Marine and Bria Pete to explore the pivotal—and often puzzling—year of fifth grade. From shifting social dynamics and growing independence to emotional development, character building, and the ever-evolving role of technology, this conversation offers invaluable insights for parents navigating this season with their children. Discover practical ways to support self-advocacy, encourage a love of reading, and help your child learn from mistakes—all with the wisdom of teachers who truly understand this transitional year.

Want to raise confident, capable kids? Great teachers know that setting high expectations leads to greater student achievement—and the same is true for parenting! In this episode, I sit down with Emily Gromoll, Chief Learning Officer of⁠ R.E.A.L. Discussion⁠ and mom of three young boys (ages 9, 6, and 4), to explore the research behind high expectations. We’ll break down: ✔️ How to set high (but realistic) expectations for your child ✔️ The balance between motivation and perfectionism ✔️ Practical ways to scaffold your child’s experiences for success Whether you’re navigating school challenges, building independence at home, or just wondering how to encourage your child without pressure, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for parents of all ages. Plus, teachers will love the references to Jeff Cohen, David Yeager, Carol Dweck, and John Hattie! 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to help your child rise to the challenge! A former History teacher and instructional coach, Emily's career in education…

Fourth grade is a big year—friendships deepen, independence grows, and social dynamics become more complex. But what’s typical for a fourth grader, and how can parents best support them through this phase? In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Frame, a veteran fourth-grade educator and fellow elementary school mom, to break down what makes fourth grade unique. We dive into: ✅ The social shifts and friendship challenges that define this stage ✅ The growing independence of fourth graders (and how to encourage it) ✅ What’s normal behavior for this age—and when to step in as a parent Whether your child is thriving or struggling socially, this conversation will give you insight, reassurance, and practical strategies to help your fourth grader navigate this exciting year. 🎧 Tune in for expert advice, real-mom experiences, and a deeper understanding of your fourth grader!

In this episode with third-grade teacher Pia DeLeon, we discuss the highs and lows of being a third grader. From reading to social awareness, Pia covers the gamut of what parents can expect and gives some solid recommendations! Mentioned in this episode: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Graphic Novels The Week Bridge to Terabithia *Note, I earn a small commission from Amazon purchases if you use these links.

How do they do it? I can barely manage my one child, how does a teacher manage a classroom of eighteen or thirty or more? In this episode, discover secrets of classroom management that every parent can steal. Expert educator, Kristin Orsini, shares top tips on building relationships, providing structure and routine, and not fighting nature. Get ready for the holidays, and never fear when you've got a house full of children, Kristen's strategies will have parents ready for anything!

In episode 6 of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, second grade expert teachers, Anna Kate Foley and Ann Tedesco, share what's to love about the 2nd grade year. If you've got a second grader, or you've got one coming up, this episode will feed your soul!

In this episode, we’ll talk about the neuroscience of learning, what teachers know about kids’ brains, and what this means for you as a parent and how you can use it when you teach! This episode features special guest, Cynthia Swanson, from Westminster's Middle School in Atlanta. Cynthia is the Director of Teaching and Learning and also teaches Latin. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-swanson-2540bb20b https://www.westminster.net/

Join expert educators Laura Arledge and Tiaya Daniels for a deep dive into who 1st graders are, what they need, and how parents can use specific strategies to connect with their children, help them thrive, and capitalize on this fun time of childhood learning. For resources mentioned in this podcast, check out bowbendconsulting.com Bios: Until her recent retirement, Laura Arledge taught Pre-First and First Grade at The Westminster Schools for 25 years. After earning a BS-ED and MED – Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia, she began her career by working in elementary education for five years in the Gwinnett County Public School System. She then joined the preschool programs at Peachtree Presbyterian Church and The Cathedral of St. Phillip while starting her family. During her time at Westminster, Laura has been recognized as an outstanding member of the faculty, respected by her peers and loved by her students. She received the Schoen Family Award in recognition for her passion displayed…

Joining us in episode 3, "Making the Grade" is special guest Ashley Gayanilo, the Assistant Head of Middle School for Teaching and Learning at The Lovett School in Atlanta. Ashley shares with parents some helpful frameworks for thinking about your children's grades, how grading has changed over the years, and some key questions to ask as a parent that will help your child keep the focus on learning (and take off the pressure to perform). Ashley is an Atlanta native who likes to call herself a global citizen. She has lived overseas 3 times in her life and constantly strives to learn and grow. A graduate of The Lovett School and The University of Virginia, Ashley pursued a career in sports marketing and the Olympics for 12 years until she moved into education. For over 20 years Ashley has worked with children, families and teachers in High School, Middle School, public school and private school in order to support student growth and learning. Ashley taught at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut; The…

Sometimes I just wish I had an expert in each of my children's particular ages whispering in my ear tips and tricks about how to handle that stage well. In our second episode, Kindergarten teacher Laurie McRae does just that. Find out some great ways to set your kindergartener up for success.

Great teachers spent years learning how to manage behavior before they even stepped into a classroom, while as parents, we left the hospital without so much as an instruction manual! Today's episode dives into four power strategies that teachers learn to proactively manage behavior. Add these four tools to your parenting toolbox and wrangle your kids like a pro.