What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use

Peyten Williams, Bowbend Consulting
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Monthly

A podcast designed to help parents gain confidence and parenting skills through advice from great teachers who've traveled this path before, year after year, and have helpful strategies to share for your road ahead.

  1. May 14

    How to Have Difficult Conversations with Kids: Parenting Leadership with Rebecca Malotke-Meslin

    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 conversation with your child because you were afraid of saying the wrong thing, this episode will give you practical tools and encouragement to lead with clarity, courage, and connection. BIO Rebecca Malotke-Meslin is a leadership coach, professional speaker, and the founder of Pleasantly Aggressive Coaching and Consulting.   She specializes in helping early and mid-career women leaders in schools and nonprofits grow into confident, effective, and authentic leaders. Through one-on-one coaching, Rebecca supports her clients in building leadership skills, rediscovering their voice, and overcoming barriers to career advancement. Rebecca also works with organizations to deliver inclusive leadership training, aimed at reducing bias and fostering equity across all levels of the workplace. With a background in social research and over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, communications, and school leadership, she brings a strategic and empathetic approach to every engagement. Her workshops and keynotes are engaging and impactful.  Rebecca is also the co-host of the Confidently You: Women in Leadership Podcast, where she shares conversations and insights to support women navigating leadership roles across industries. Connect with Rebecca Instagram @pleasantlyaggressive Facebook @pleasantlyaggressive Twitter (X) @pleasantlyaggr1 TikTok @pleasantlyaggressive Websites LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/malotke-meslin/ Website www.pleasantlyaggressive.com  Confidently You Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confidently-you-women-in-leadership/id1649233272

    40 min

  2. Apr 30

    Parenting with the End in Mind: Raising Children of Character with Chris Cleveland

    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 who their children are becoming, not just what they are accomplishing. Guest BioChris Cleveland has served as Wesleyan School’s head of school since 2014. He originally came to Wesleyan in 2002 to serve as middle school principal, became principal of the high school in 2004, and assumed the role of assistant headmaster for advancement in 2010. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Auburn University and a master’s in administration and supervision from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. A member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, Chris serves on the boards of the Georgia Community Foundation, the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, the Cleveland Group, and the Executive Committee of the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA). Chris and Julie have been married since 1991, and they are proud parents of Kyle and Sam. 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Chris Cleveland 02:15 Why parenting is so hard 04:00 What parents can and cannot control 06:05 Parents as guides, not outcome-creators 07:37 Parenting in today’s culture 10:45 Helping children listen to trusted voices 12:15 Raising decision-makers instead of rule-followers 13:50 Letting kids make small decisions and experience consequences 17:42 How teachers help students learn from mistakes 19:37 “Never waste a mistake” 22:30 Disappointed in the decision, not the child 24:00 The microscope vs. telescope parenting metaphor 27:43 Building a parenting toolbox 29:26 The Graduation Game 31:00 Character over achievement 34:24 Parenting with backwards design 35:36 Closing To learn more about Peyten Williams and Bowbend Consulting, visit bowbendconsulting.com. For parent coaching, school workshops, or speaking inquiries, reach out through Bowbend Consulting and explore resources designed to help parents and educators become strong and kind adults in the room.

    36 min
  3. Autonomy, Not Pressure: The Secret to Motivated Kids with Chanita Jones

    Apr 7

    Autonomy, Not Pressure: The Secret to Motivated Kids with Chanita Jones

    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 motivationThe difference between protecting your child and unintentionally limiting themHow to help your child develop a clear sense of identity and visionChanita’s Liberation Equation™:Simple ways to build independence—from toddlerhood through high schoolWhy failure is essential for growth and confidenceHow to use questions (not commands) to unlock your child’s thinkingA powerful 3-step tool for emotional regulation: ABC (Awareness, Breath, Conscious Choice)An educator by nature and by trade, Chanita is on a mission to bring liberation to education. A master special educator and NBCT, she has spent 20 years partnering with parents and communities to advance the education of youth ages 12–21 from marginalized backgrounds. Through her framework, The Liberation Equation™, Chanita equips parents and educators with a systematic, explicit approach to teaching self-mastery—growing youth from self-conscious to soul-conscious. https://www.teacherchanita.com/ If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend, a parent group, or someone walking alongside kids.

    33 min
  4. Parenting Teens Through the College Process with Jay McCann: How to Build a Smart College List Without the Stress

    Mar 15

    Parenting Teens Through the College Process with Jay McCann: How to Build a Smart College List Without the Stress

    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. If you are parenting a middle schooler, high schooler, or simply want to prepare early, this conversation will help you think more clearly and calmly about the road to college. In this episode, we cover: common misconceptions about college admissions how to build a wider, wiser college list why parents should not over-function in the application process how to reduce anxiety for teens in high-achieving communities what healthy parent involvement looks like during junior and senior year why the goal is not just getting into college, but preparing a young adult to thrive once they get there This episode is for parents who want to support their child with wisdom, perspective, and confidence during the college process. Jay McCann is co-author of The College Finder, now in its fifth edition since Steve Antonoff’s original publication in 1993. He joined the project after meeting Steve at a NACAC conference, drawn by a love of collecting and sharing college information. Jay earned his graduate degree at San Diego State University, where he was part of the Native American Scholars and Collaborators grant, focusing on education and community engagement. He began his counseling career in Denver Public Schools, where he served as department chair, before moving to Valor Christian High School and now The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. He is also the founder of Future to Find College Consulting. Jay and his wife, Erin, have three children, all in second grade and younger. Links: The College Finder Website: TheCollegeFinder.net Instagram: @the_college_finder TikTok: @thecollegefinder.net

    27 min
  5. Why Movement Matters: The Preschool Brain, Behavior, and School Readiness Connection with Erin Carey

    Mar 15

    Why Movement Matters: The Preschool Brain, Behavior, and School Readiness Connection with Erin Carey

    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.

    38 min
  6. The Parent Ecosystem: A Foundation for Your Child's Mental Health

    Feb 15

    The Parent Ecosystem: A Foundation for Your Child's Mental Health

    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 the needs of the staff, built instructional coaching programs, and served as the Dean of Faculty where she oversaw the overhaul of teacher growth and evaluation. She also supported new teachers across the state of California as they developed their skills as early-career educators. Lori has also served on independent school boards and served as board chair. In 2019, Lori began working as an independent consultant and has worked with clients all over the globe. She has worked with the Eastern Education Resource Collaborative (East Ed) and as the Developer of People and Programs for Bright Morning Consulting. She is a contributing author of The Art of Coaching Workbook (2020), co-author (with Elena Aguilar) of The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development (2022), and co-author (with Elizabeth Denevi) of Integrating Educator Well-Being, Growth, and Evaluation: Four Foundations for Leaders (2025). She is currently working on a book on transformative lesson planning, due out in 2026.

    27 min
  7. Parenting Teenagers: Boundaries, Consequences and Building Trust With High School Dean, Anthony Thomas

    Jan 30

    Parenting Teenagers: Boundaries, Consequences and Building Trust With High School Dean, Anthony Thomas

    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 fall.  Whether you’re struggling with discipline or simply looking for better ways to connect with your teen, this conversation offers grounded advice from both an educator and a parent who understands the pressures families face today. Anthony Thomas currently serves as Upper School Dean of Students and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia. Born in Atlanta and raised in College Park, Anthony Thomas is a 1998 graduate of Woodward Academy. He went on to earn his degree in Political Science from Furman University in 2002, where he was a four-year basketball letterman. He received his Juris Doctor from Georgia State University in 2005 and later completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Harvard University in 2024. A licensed attorney with the Georgia Bar Association since 2005, Anthony has been a dedicated member of the Woodward Academy faculty since that same year. He is committed to student development both in and out of the classroom and the court. Anthony is passionate about connecting with students and supporting their growth as they find their stride. A selfless, lifelong learner and self-described “ultimate teammate”, Anthony continues to seek out ways to empower young students each day. Outside of his professional life, Anthony enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters and is a passionate supporter of all things Atlanta sports. Anthony’s successes can be traced back to one phrase: “to God be the glory!”

    31 min
  8. Why Handwriting Still Matters: Brain Development, Literacy, and Learning with Holly Britton from Squiggle Squad

    Jan 15

    Why Handwriting Still Matters: Brain Development, Literacy, and Learning with Holly Britton from Squiggle Squad

    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 handwriting, resists writing tasks, or you’re simply wondering how much handwriting still matters today, this episode offers research-backed guidance and practical strategies parents can use right away. Holly's Bio and Resources Holly Britton, M.Ed., is a curriculum designer, handwriting specialist, and instructional advisor with teaching experience in grades K-8. Her passion for learning and teaching came organically over 18 years of educating her own four children, teaching in classrooms, and serving as a curriculum director at a private school. She is the founder and creator of Squiggle Squad, a TK- 2 handwriting curriculum. She continues to work with teachers and children to improve literacy. Holly has over 26 years of private and public educational experience. She lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains where she relishes time with her friends and family including her horses, Shasta and Dash.  www.squigglesquad.com/blog Instagram: @squigglesquadhandwriting @hollyonhandwriting Facebook: www.facebook.com/squigglesquad LinkedIn: www.linkedin/in/hollyhandwriting FREE Resources:  Digital Handout

    32 min
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A podcast designed to help parents gain confidence and parenting skills through advice from great teachers who've traveled this path before, year after year, and have helpful strategies to share for your road ahead.

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