Dyslexia Mom Life™ | Education, Encouragement & Real Life

Nicole Holcomb | Educator & Parenting Coach
  • 4.8 (82)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

Do you wish you had a guide or coach who has been where you are and has mapped out how to parent a child with dyslexia (without the overwhelm)?  Do you worry about your child’s self-esteem and mental health while carrying the shame of being unable to read? Are you staying up at night, staring at the ceiling with worry about your child’s future and the impact on your family?  I’m so glad you’re here! This podcast is your go-to guide for practical strategies on your dyslexia parenting journey. Together, we’ll build a deep understanding of dyslexia and give you the parenting tools you need to confidently navigate the world of dyslexia without sacrificing your relationship with your child. This journey may have its challenges, but you are not alone. You’ve got this—and we’re in it together! For the past  10 years, I have been on my dyslexia mom journey. I have made mistakes, laughed, and cried along my parenting journey with my dyslexic daughter. I spent so much time on internet searches and social media, trying to figure it all out — how to get our daughter tested for dyslexia, where to find the right remediation, what accommodations work for her, when and how to tell her she was dyslexic, and how to protect her self-esteem through it all. Honestly, it took a huge toll on our family — and my sanity!   I finally realized that if I was going to keep my sanity and help my daughter thrive in this new dyslexia lifestyle, I had to trust my intuition about what was best for her and our family. I had done all the research, read all the books, and found a way to connect with my daughter, building a strong mother-daughter relationship that would outlive her school years.  Of course, I have my fair share of bumps, bruises, and wrong turns along our journey, but one thing is constant - my love for my daughter, and that I can do this (figure out dyslexia and be the best mom to my daughter)! P.S. So can you! I created a framework that was built on simple, proven strategies —  small steps I could check off each day, giving me a real sense of progress (instead of endlessly scrolling through Instagram looking for answers). It became a lifestyle that made parenting feel less like a constant chore and more like a meaningful relationship — filled with intention, fun, and laughter again. And now, I’m so ready to share it all with you! If you’re ready for simple, proven strategies to confidently show up for your child with dyslexia, this podcast is for you! Take a deep breath — you’re in the right place. It’s time to turn the page on overwhelm and step into confidence!  Let’s begin. 

  1. 1d ago

    160 | Is Social Media Changing the Way You Parent?

    Social media can be a wonderful place to find community, encouragement, and helpful resources as you raise a child with dyslexia. But have you ever stopped to wonder if it’s also changing the way you parent? From comparing your child’s progress to someone else’s highlight reel to feeling pressure to do more, try another strategy, or find the perfect solution, social media can influence your parenting in ways you may not even realize. Sometimes, what starts as a search for support leaves you feeling overwhelmed, second-guessing yourself, or wondering if you’re doing enough. Parenting a child with dyslexia already comes with its own questions, challenges, and emotions. So, how do you know if the content you’re consuming is helping you feel supported—or simply adding to the weight you’re carrying? Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about being more intentional with social media, trusting your own parenting journey, and remembering that you don’t have to do everything you see online to be a good mom. You don’t need to be a perfect parent. You need space to parent your child in a way that works for your family. You Got This! Sign up for the DML Newsletter Follow Dyslexia Mom Life on Substack for behind-the-scenes and real-life stories. Understanding Your Child's Dyslexia Workshop - Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube All things dyslexia and parenting --> www.dyslexiamomlife.com Support the show

  2. 6d ago

    159 | School Burnout: What It Looks Like and How to Respond

    Is your child constantly exhausted, overwhelmed by homework, avoiding schoolwork, or saying, “I just can’t do this anymore”? What might look like laziness, lack of motivation, or defiance could actually be school burnout. For children with dyslexia and other learning differences, the daily demands of school can take an emotional toll. From working harder to keep up with assignments to managing frustration and feeling different from their peers, the effort it takes to get through the school day can leave kids feeling mentally and emotionally drained. In this episode of Dyslexia Mom Life, we're talking about school burnout, what it can look like in children with dyslexia, and how we can respond as moms with understanding, support, and compassion. We'll explore some of the signs that your child may be experiencing school burnout, why the constant effort of navigating school can become overwhelming, and how to look beyond the behaviors to understand what your child may be communicating. We'll also discuss practical ways to support your child, reduce unnecessary pressure, and work toward creating a healthier balance between school responsibilities and your child's emotional well-being. Because sometimes, our kids don't need another reminder to try harder. They need us to recognize how hard they've already been trying. In this episode, you will learn: What school burnout can look like in children with dyslexia.Signs of emotional exhaustion, school avoidance, frustration, and declining motivation.Why children who work harder to keep up academically may be especially vulnerable to burnout.Practical ways to reduce stress, support your child's needs, and communicate with their school.How to help your child feel supported without adding more pressure.If you've ever watched your child struggle with school and wondered whether you're pushing too hard, not doing enough, or missing something important, this conversation is for you. Our goal isn't to remove every challenge from our children's lives. It's to help them navigate those challenges without losing their confidence, their love of learning, or their sense of who they are beyond school. Your child is more than their grades, their assignments, or their academic struggles. And you don't have to figure it all out alone. Subscribe to Dyslexia Mom Life for encouragement, practical insights, and real-life conversations about raising children with dyslexia.  You Got This! Follow Dyslexia Mom Life on Substack for behind-the-scenes and real-life stories. Understanding Your Child's Dyslexia Workshop - Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube All things dyslexia and parenting --> www.dyslexiamomlife.com Support the show

  3. Nov 2

    158 | Your Child Isn't Lazy: Understanding Procrastination

    Does it seem like your child puts off homework, struggles to get started, or waits until the last minute to complete assignments? It’s easy to feel frustrated when you’re constantly reminding, redirecting, and watching the clock. But what if your child isn’t being lazy at all? In this episode of Dyslexia Mom Life, we’re taking a closer look at procrastination and time management challenges in children with dyslexia. What may look like laziness or a lack of motivation can sometimes be connected to executive functioning difficulties, feeling overwhelmed, fear of failure, or the mental effort required to complete schoolwork. We’ll explore why getting started, estimating how long a task will take, and staying organized can be especially challenging for some children with dyslexia. More importantly, we’ll talk about practical ways parents can help their children build time management skills, break assignments into manageable steps, and develop routines that encourage independence without constant reminders or power struggles. As moms, it’s easy to wonder whether we’re doing enough or feel frustrated when the same struggles happen day after day. This is an opportunity to shift our perspective, replace frustration with understanding, and focus on the skills our children need to succeed. Because sometimes, what looks like procrastination is really a child who needs a different kind of support. If you’re navigating homework battles, missed deadlines, or the daily struggle to get your child moving, this episode is for you. Let’s learn how to support our children with dyslexia with more understanding, practical strategies, and encouragement. In this episode, we’ll discuss: Why procrastination doesn’t necessarily mean your child is lazy.How dyslexia, executive functioning, and overwhelm can affect time management.Why getting started can be harder than finishing a task.Practical strategies to help your child manage homework, deadlines, and daily routines.How to encourage independence while reducing frustration and mom guilt.You’re not alone in this journey. Let’s keep learning, growing, and finding ways to help our children thrive. Subscribe to Dyslexia Mom Life for more conversations about dyslexia, parenting, education, and the real-life challenges and successes of raising children who learn differently. You Got This! Follow Dyslexia Mom Life on Substack for behind-the-scenes and real-life stories. Understanding Your Child's Dyslexia Workshop - Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube All things dyslexia and parenting --> www.dyslexiamomlife.com Support the show

  4. Oct 14

    157 | Behind the Scenes of Dyslexia Evaluations: Public School vs. Private Testing

    When you're a mom and you begin to wonder if your child might have dyslexia, there are so many questions running through your mind. Where do I start? Who can help me get answers? Should I go through the school, seek a private evaluation, or somehow navigate both? And honestly, how am I supposed to know which path is right for my child? I remember how much there was to learn as we navigated our own journey, and I know how overwhelming it can feel when you're trying to make the best decisions for your child. Today, I'm taking you behind the scenes of dyslexia evaluations and sharing our family's experience with both public school evaluations and private testing. I'll walk you through what we experienced, what I learned along the way, and what I hope other moms can take away from our journey. I'm sharing our story because hearing another mom's experience can help you feel less alone and more prepared for the road ahead. I'll keep our family's private information confidential, and while every child's journey is different, I hope our experience gives you helpful perspective as you consider your own options. So, if you've ever wondered about the differences between public school evaluations and private dyslexia testing, or you're trying to figure out what questions to ask next, this episode is for you. Hit play; let's do this! You Got This! Follow Dyslexia Mom Life on Substack for behind-the-scenes and real-life stories. Understanding Your Child's Dyslexia Workshop - Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube All things dyslexia and parenting --> www.dyslexiamomlife.com Support the show

  5. Oct 12

    156 | Dyslexia Terms, Terminology & Acronyms Every Parent Should Know

    Have you ever sat in a meeting about your child's learning and felt like everyone was speaking a completely different language? You hear terms like IEP, 504 plan, phonological awareness, structured literacy, and specific learning disability—and you're trying to keep up, take notes, and figure out what it all means for your child. If you've ever walked away from a conversation with more questions than answers, I want you to know you're not alone. When you're navigating dyslexia as a mom, there's so much to learn, and sometimes it feels like you need a whole new vocabulary to understand what's happening. Today, we're breaking down dyslexia terms, terminology, and acronyms every parent should know. We'll explore some of the common words and abbreviations you may hear during evaluations, school meetings, conversations with educators, and discussions about reading instruction. My goal isn't to overwhelm you with a dictionary of unfamiliar terms. It's to help you feel more confident asking questions, understanding what professionals are saying, and advocating for your child's needs. And here's something I want you to remember: you don't have to learn everything overnight. You're learning as you go, and every new term you understand is one more tool to help you navigate your child's journey. So grab a notebook if you'd like to jot down a few definitions, and let's start decoding the language of dyslexia together! You Got This! Follow Dyslexia Mom Life on Substack for behind-the-scenes and real-life stories. Understanding Your Child's Dyslexia Workshop - Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube All things dyslexia and parenting --> www.dyslexiamomlife.com Support the show

  6. Oct 7

    155 | When Dyslexia Becomes Your Child's Identity: Moving Beyond "I'm Not Good at School"

    What happens when a child begins to believe that dyslexia is who they are? After years of struggling with reading, writing, homework, or keeping up in school, some children internalize the message that they're "not good at school" or that they're not smart. As parents, it can be heartbreaking to watch—and difficult to know what to say or do. In this episode of Dyslexia Mom Life, we’re talking about the emotional side of dyslexia and how repeated school struggles can affect a child's confidence, self-esteem, and sense of identity. Nicole will explore how to help your child separate who they are from how they learn, recognize his/her strengths, and develop a more positive view of themselves. Nicole will also share the role we play as parents in helping your child move beyond labels, navigate frustration and fear of failure, and understand that struggling in one area doesn't define their potential. Because dyslexia is something your child has—it is not who your child is! You Got This! Follow Dyslexia Mom Life on Substack for behind-the-scenes and real-life stories. Understanding Your Child's Dyslexia Workshop - Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube All things dyslexia and parenting --> www.dyslexiamomlife.com Support the show

  7. Oct 6

    154 | Dyslexia Mom Guilt: When You Feel Like You Should Be Doing More

    Are you a mom raising a child with dyslexia who constantly wonders, Am I doing enough? Maybe you’re researching dyslexia after everyone else has gone to bed. Maybe you’re wondering if your child needs more tutoring, more reading practice, more advocacy, or more support at school. Maybe you feel guilty when you’re frustrated, guilty when you need a break, or worried that you’re missing something your child needs. Welcome to dyslexia mom guilt—the pressure to do everything possible to help your child succeed. In this episode of Dyslexia Mom Life, Nicole is honestly sharing about the fear, guilt, and pressure that can come with parenting a child with dyslexia. We’ll explore why moms often feel like they should be doing more, how comparison can fuel that guilt, and why being your child’s advocate doesn’t mean you have to become their therapist, tutor, teacher, and full-time dyslexia expert. Because supporting a child with dyslexia isn't about doing everything. It's about trusting yourself! If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough to support your child with dyslexia, this episode is for you. You Got This! Follow Dyslexia Mom Life on Substack for behind-the-scenes and real-life stories. Understanding Your Child's Dyslexia Workshop - Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube All things dyslexia and parenting --> www.dyslexiamomlife.com Support the show

  8. 08/20/2025

    153 | 3 Ways to Ensure Your Struggling Reader Learns to Read

    Since before my daughter was born, I can remember buying her books. We read to her when she was young, and as she got older, we would take her to the library and bookstores to spark her reading. There are many books in our house that she has never opened. We know that reading is essential to her success - we live in a reading world.  Now, you wouldn’t know that our daughter didn’t always love to read. She carries a book with her everywhere she goes now - to school, to dinner, in the car... anytime she has downtime, she is reading.  Want to know how that happened? Let’s dig into the 3 steps that led her to become an avid reader. You Got This! Understanding Your Child's Dyslexia Workshop - Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube Sign up for the DML Weekly Newsletter All things dyslexia and parenting --> www.dyslexiamomlife.com Free Dyslexia Mom Life Podcast Community --> www.facebook.com/groups/dyslexiamomlife Support the show

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Do you wish you had a guide or coach who has been where you are and has mapped out how to parent a child with dyslexia (without the overwhelm)?  Do you worry about your child’s self-esteem and mental health while carrying the shame of being unable to read? Are you staying up at night, staring at the ceiling with worry about your child’s future and the impact on your family?  I’m so glad you’re here! This podcast is your go-to guide for practical strategies on your dyslexia parenting journey. Together, we’ll build a deep understanding of dyslexia and give you the parenting tools you need to confidently navigate the world of dyslexia without sacrificing your relationship with your child. This journey may have its challenges, but you are not alone. You’ve got this—and we’re in it together! For the past  10 years, I have been on my dyslexia mom journey. I have made mistakes, laughed, and cried along my parenting journey with my dyslexic daughter. I spent so much time on internet searches and social media, trying to figure it all out — how to get our daughter tested for dyslexia, where to find the right remediation, what accommodations work for her, when and how to tell her she was dyslexic, and how to protect her self-esteem through it all. Honestly, it took a huge toll on our family — and my sanity!   I finally realized that if I was going to keep my sanity and help my daughter thrive in this new dyslexia lifestyle, I had to trust my intuition about what was best for her and our family. I had done all the research, read all the books, and found a way to connect with my daughter, building a strong mother-daughter relationship that would outlive her school years.  Of course, I have my fair share of bumps, bruises, and wrong turns along our journey, but one thing is constant - my love for my daughter, and that I can do this (figure out dyslexia and be the best mom to my daughter)! P.S. So can you! I created a framework that was built on simple, proven strategies —  small steps I could check off each day, giving me a real sense of progress (instead of endlessly scrolling through Instagram looking for answers). It became a lifestyle that made parenting feel less like a constant chore and more like a meaningful relationship — filled with intention, fun, and laughter again. And now, I’m so ready to share it all with you! If you’re ready for simple, proven strategies to confidently show up for your child with dyslexia, this podcast is for you! Take a deep breath — you’re in the right place. It’s time to turn the page on overwhelm and step into confidence!  Let’s begin. 

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