What happens when reading stops feeling like learning and starts feeling like proof that a child is “not smart”? In this episode of UnMuted Love, Ce Eshelman talks with Ruth Rumack, founder of Ruth Rumack’s Learning Space and creator of The Yak Pack Comics, about the emotional side of reading struggles--the part parents do not always know how to name. For many striving readers, repeated reading difficulty is not just an academic problem. It can become a nervous system problem, a shame problem, a confidence problem, and eventually an identity problem. A child who is bright, creative, verbal, curious, or deeply capable may still melt down, avoid reading, refuse homework, guess wildly, shut down, or say heartbreaking things like, “I’m stupid,” or “I hate reading.” Ruth helps parents understand what may be happening underneath those behaviors. Ce and Ruth talk about why children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, and other learning differences often need more than extra practice. They need reading support that protects emotional safety, preserves dignity, and keeps the parent-child relationship from becoming another place where the child feels behind. This conversation is especially helpful for parents whose evenings have turned into reading battles, homework stress, tears, avoidance, or power struggles. Ruth offers a compassionate, practical way to think about helping children build reading skills without adding pressure, shame, or fear. They also discuss The Yak Pack Comics, Ruth’s decodable phonics comic series created to help children reconnect with reading through humor, success, and joy. This might be the episode that rings a bell for what your child really needs. ▶️ Watch the video version here → https://youtu.be/WEDAZqLIxvs 📖 Check out FREE sample Yak Pack comic → https://rumackresources.com/product/yak-pack-comics-free-sample/ 📖 Check out the Yak Pack phonics comic books → https://bit.ly/YakPackComics 🌐 Find Ruth on her website → https://ruthrumack.com 💡 Check out Ruth's resources and publications → https://rumackresources.com From Ce Eshelman: Are you searching for a community of parents who will get you; who offer an attentive ear and open arms in the worst of times; who give you a standing ovation for the monumentally big "small steps" forward you make with your child? It is so painful to walk the jagged trail of this parenting journey alone and no one is ever alone in the Love Matters Parenting Society Therapeutic Parent Program. You will feel seen, understood, and actually deeply cared for. We know it as "love." The Society is a virtual program for parents of children who experienced trauma and others who support them or work with them professionally. You don't have to wait a minute longer. We are right here waiting for YOU! Access Free Resources! ✨ The VIP Parent Program has been discontinued, but you can still access all the handouts and more free resources at our Free Resources Page! Additional Resources: 📖 Get your copy of Ce's new book: 20 Things Children from Difficult Beginnings Wish Friends and Family Knew 📖 Get your copy of Drowning with My Hair On Fire: Insanity Relief for Adoptive Parents ▶️ Watch Ce's YouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@CeEshelman 🧐 Subscribe to the blog: https://www.lovemattersparenting.com/blog 🔍 Check out my websites: LoveMattersParenting.com and AttachPlace.com 📣 Hear the Success Stories: LoveMattersParenting.com/testimonials 👉 Find Ce on Social Media: 🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemattersparenting 🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovemattersparenting Unmuted Love is a free podcast for parents of children from difficult beginnings of adoption and abuse trauma. Ce is an adoptive mom of two, step-mom of two, and an Attachment and Trauma Specialist. The Unmuted Love Podcast is part of Love Matters Parenting Society and The Attach Place Center for Strengthening Relationships, LLC. For more information about joining this vibrant community of parents, https://www.lovemattersparenting.com/lmps1. 🎧 Follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!
