What happens when we only measure our children's success by their high achievements? Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Kate Bachtel, where we discuss the vital need to focus on continuous growth for neurodivergent and gifted children. Drawing from her expertise in developing programs for exceptional youth, Dr. Bachtel reveals the pitfalls of an achievement-centric approach and emphasizes the importance of equitable learning opportunities. As both a parent and former teacher, I share firsthand experiences of raising gifted and sensitive children, illuminating the unique challenges and rewards of nurturing their distinctive needs.

Ever wondered why some gifted children struggle despite their high IQs? We explore the concept of asynchrony and its implications for neurodivergent and twice-exceptional (2E) children. Our discussion highlights the critical role of culturally responsive educators who understand these complexities and the need for monitoring growth data to ensure all students thrive. We also confront the historical under-identification of gifted children from diverse backgrounds and how this oversight impacts educational equity.

Advocacy within educational systems can be a labyrinth. Our episode provides practical strategies for parents to champion the needs of their neurodivergent gifted children, from forging partnerships with medical professionals to addressing social-emotional health. Dr. Bachtel and I discuss the necessity of creating educational environments that affirm each child's identity and foster a sense of belonging. We also introduce "rounding" as a proactive approach for teachers to regularly check in with students, ensuring their growth and well-being are prioritized. Prepare to be inspired by insights that could transform the educational journey for gifted and neurodivergent children.

Connect with Dr. Kate:
*Website: www.soulsparklearning.org
*LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kate-bachtel-10826954/
*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=soulspark%20learning
*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulsparklearning/

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Connect with Carrie:
*Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/
*LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/hearttoheartparentspodcast
*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com

Unlock the keys to authentic parenting and self-care with our special guest, Colby Wilk. Join us on this episode of Heart to Heart Parents as Colby, an intuitive healer and mentor, shares his remarkable journey of cultivating empathy and intuition within a challenging family environment. We'll dive into the crucial topics of emotional sensitivity, the dangers of neglecting self-care, and how setting boundaries can prevent emotional overwhelm. Learn how Colby's early experiences in a dysfunctional household led him to develop heightened empathic abilities and the lessons he discovered about protecting his well-being while connecting deeply with others.

Discover the ups and downs of living as a highly sensitive person and the practical strategies to navigate a world that's often too chaotic. From managing food sensitivities and sleep issues to the importance of self-honor over self-pity, we offer actionable advice for maintaining personal routines and self-care. Hear Colby's insights into embracing sensitivities rather than shutting them down, and the necessity for a more respectful and accurate vocabulary to describe sensitivity. We share tips on how to reframe high maintenance as essential self-care, helping you live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Embrace the power of intuition in guiding life's significant decisions. Colby shares compelling stories, including moving children to a new school based on intuitive signs, illustrating how intuition aligns with our soul's true desires. We discuss the process of self-validation and the importance of acting on genuine wants for profound fulfillment. By reflecting deeply on what you truly desire, this episode encourages you to reignite your capacity to dream authentically and pursue a spiritually connected life. Tune in for a heartwarming conversation that promises to empower you to foster genuine connections with your children while maintaining your emotional well-being.

Connect with Colby:
*Website: colbywilk.com
*Instagram: @colbyswilk

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Connect with Carrie:
*Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/
*LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/hearttoheartparentspodcast
*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com

Ever wondered how to keep your kids from melting down during the summer? Join us as we chat with Jessica Irwin, a leading childhood routine expert and pediatric occupational therapist, who shares her wisdom on maintaining consistency in sleep, meals, and playtime during the summer months. Jessica breaks down the importance of regular routines, even in the most relaxed seasons, and how structure in key areas like sleep, morning activities, meals, and outdoor play can provide the stability your children need. Carrie from Heart to Heart Parents and Jessica also discuss practical tips for integrating outdoor play into your daily schedule and the importance of snack intervals for preventing those all-too-common summer meltdowns.

Switching gears, we tackle back-to-school transitions with effective strategies that balance new routines and extracurricular activities. Visual aids like weekly calendars and social stories are emphasized as essential tools for helping children adjust to changes, including family trips. Carrie shares personal stories on the challenges and triumphs of feeding routines and the significance of ergonomic seating for children. Plus, don't miss Jessica's unique superpower of exceptional parallel parking and how it ties into her visual and mathematical learning style. Stay tuned for more resources on potty training and picky eating, and connect with Jessica on Instagram at rooted in routine for more valuable parenting insights.

Connect with Jessica Irwin:
*Website: www.rootedinroutine.com
*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedinroutine/

Send us a Text Message.

Connect with Carrie:
*Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/
*LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/hearttoheartparentspodcast
*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com