The Lauren Edmunds Podcast

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Hi, I’m Lauren Edmunds, and welcome to the Lauren Edmunds Podcast. In each episode, we dive deep into the world of education and parenting, with a special focus on primary school children with remedial and special needs. Drawing on over 12 years of hands-on experience running Omatas Learning Centre, a special needs school in Johannesburg, along with decades of academic research, I aim to provide valuable insights and practical advice. I’m excited to share my knowledge with you and hope you find the discussions both informative and inspiring. Enjoy the show!

  1. 2D AGO

    Mistakes: Where the Learning Happens

    Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, explains that mistakes are exactly where learning occurs. She warns that common phrases like "you can do better" can accidentally shame children, leading them to avoid challenges and stick to easy tasks just to get praise. To foster a "learning brain," Lauren suggests praising the action and the effort rather than the result. This approach helps children stay curious and develop the intrinsic motivation to strive for themselves. If a child continues to struggle despite this support, she recommends an assessment to see if a learning delay is causing a misunderstanding. Omatas Learning Centre

    3 min

  2. FEB 11

    The Art of Repair: Beyond Punishment

    Lauren Edmunds, founder of a specialist school for children with learning delays, explores how to transform discipline into a lasting learning experience. Shifting the focus from shame to responsibility, Lauren explains why the "repair" of a mistake is more important than the mistake itself. By establishing a foundation of mutual respect and allowing children to face the natural consequences of their actions, parents and teachers can help them develop vital self-discipline and impulse control. This episode offers a practical, compassionate roadmap for raising accountable, resilient children who take true ownership of their lives. Omatas Learning Centre

    12 min

  3. FEB 5

    The Power of the Morning: Regulation Over Education

    Lauren Edmunds, a school founder specialising in learning delays, discusses how the "morning rush" can derail a child's entire school day. She explains that when children arrive dysregulated due to stress, screens, or a lack of connection, their brains are not "online" for learning, forcing teachers to spend hours calming them rather than teaching. Lauren argues that by replacing "clipped language" and road rage with gentle connection and role-modelling, parents can ground their children before drop-off. This shift ensures children arrive at school ready to engage, rather than just "masking" or pretending to learn. It’s a call for parents to lead the way in creating a calm, supportive start to the day that unlocks a child's full potential Omatas Learning Centre

    11 min

  4. JAN 26

    Reclaiming the Homework Narrative

    Lauren Edmunds, who runs a school for children with learning delays, looks at how the way we moan or complain about schoolwork actually becomes the voice in our children's heads. She argues that if we treat homework as a chore or a waste of time, our kids will too, which eventually makes the work even harder for them. This episode is about shifting that mindset by role-modelling effort and using language that connects practice to progress. Lauren shares practical ways to build "grit" and resilience, especially for students who find the work tough and don't always see immediate results. The goal isn't just to get through primary school, but to help children embrace challenges so they’re ready for the real world. Omatas Learning Centre

    7 min

  5. JAN 19

    Getting Out of the Hole

    Lauren Edmunds uses a powerful metaphor to explore what real remediation should look like when children are struggling. Rather than repeatedly pulling children out of difficulty, she explains why the focus must be on building the skills, resilience and self-belief that allow them to climb out themselves — and stay out. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on over-helping, learned helplessness, and the role of parents, teachers and therapists in creating strong, capable children who can navigate challenges with confidence. Omatas Learning Centre

    9 min

  6. JAN 12

    Going Back: Supporting Children as They Return to School

    In this episode, Lauren Edmunds discusses the challenges children face when transitioning back to school after the holidays. She shares simple, practical ways parents can prepare their children for earlier mornings, new routines and increased learning demands. By talking positively about the return to school and helping children know what to expect, parents can ease anxiety and support a calmer, more confident start to the term. Omatas Learning Centre

    4 min

  7. JAN 6

    Using the Stationery List to Build Real Learning Skills

    Lauren Edmunds explains how something as ordinary as a school stationery list can become a powerful tool for building organisation, independence and foundational learning skills. She explores how small, everyday tasks help children develop confidence, planning and problem-solving abilities that support long-term academic and life success. Omatas Learning Centre

    19 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Denial and Loving Well

    Lauren Edmunds speaks candidly about the moment a child receives a diagnosis and the emotional journey that follows for parents and families. Drawing from her own experience as both a mother and an educator, she explores denial, grief, acceptance and responsibility, and why the weight of a diagnosis should never sit on the child alone. This episode offers an honest, compassionate look at how early, intentional intervention, accountability and love can set children up to live confidently and authentically with who they are. Omatas Learning Centre

    13 min
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About

Hi, I’m Lauren Edmunds, and welcome to the Lauren Edmunds Podcast. In each episode, we dive deep into the world of education and parenting, with a special focus on primary school children with remedial and special needs. Drawing on over 12 years of hands-on experience running Omatas Learning Centre, a special needs school in Johannesburg, along with decades of academic research, I aim to provide valuable insights and practical advice. I’m excited to share my knowledge with you and hope you find the discussions both informative and inspiring. Enjoy the show!

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