Some Assembly Required

Wesleyan School
  • 5.0 (27)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Some Assembly Required: Because kids don't come with an instruction manual, is a podcast for real parents raising real kids. Hosted by two staff members at Wesleyan School, an independent K-12 school in the metro Atlanta area, the goal of this podcast is to provide practical things to consider when raising school-aged children. Guests will typically be one faculty member from Wesleyan paired with another expert on the topic we are discussing. Our hope is that anyone who loves school-aged children can use these resources, regardless of where you live or where your children attend school.

  1. MAY 7

    "Help I'm Ruining My Kids" - Our chat with author Abbey Wedgeworth

    This Mother’s Day, we’re offering a gift to every mom who has ever wondered, “Am I doing this all wrong?” In this special episode, we sit down with author Abbey Wedgeworth to talk about her honest, hope-filled book, Help! I’m Ruining My Kids: A Gospel Guide for the Mom Who is Desperate for Change. Together, we name the heavy reality of mom shame and contrast it with the freedom found in a full, gospel-centered identity in Christ. This conversation is not about parenting hacks or pressure to “get it right.” Instead, it’s about loosening our grip on perfection, rejecting the lie that our children’s outcomes rest solely on us, and rediscovering who we are as beloved daughters of God. Drawing from Scripture, lived experience, and deep compassion, Abbey reminds us that the antidote to shame isn’t trying harder. It's remembering who we already are in Christ. Consider this episode our Mother’s Day gift to you: a reminder that you are not failing, you are not alone, and God’s grace is more than enough—for you and for your kids. If you'd like to learn more about Abbey, you can find her online at: Website: https://www.abbeywedgeworth.com Instagram: @abbeywedgeworth You can also order the book online here.

    39 min

  2. APR 23

    Plan, Prepare, & Pray: Tips for School Transitions

    Whether your child is starting at a brand new school or moving into a new building at their current school, making a school change is a big transition for both children and their parents. Today's conversation equips parents to navigate school transitions with empathy, confidence, and a little more grace for everyone in their family. John Creed, Wesleyan's 6th grade boys chair and incoming middle school principal, and Paige Carothers, experienced kindergarten teacher at Wesleyan, join this conversation to encourage parents with practical tips and a grounded perspective about navigating a school transition.

    36 min

  3. APR 9

    Raising Resilient Hearts: How Books Help Kids Understand Their Feelings

    How do stories help children better understand their own emotions? In this episode, we’re joined by children's author Trudy Ludwig, and Dr. Nancy Jones, lower school dean of counseling and student services and director of counseling at Wesleyan School. Trudy and Nancy help us explore the powerful role books play in building emotional insight and resilience in kids. Through shared experiences, relatable characters, and meaningful conversations, stories give children a safe way to recognize feelings, reflect on challenges, and see that they’re not alone. Our guests discuss how reading about characters in familiar situations helps children name emotions, develop empathy, and practice problem‑solving—often before they have the words to do so on their own. Parents will walk away with practical ideas for choosing books, asking thoughtful questions, and using story time as a springboard for deeper emotional growth. Whether your child is navigating big feelings, social challenges, or everyday worries, this conversation highlights how stories can become trusted tools for emotional learning at home. BONUS - book recommendations from Trudy and Nancy. Trudy's Favorites: Broken by X. Fang What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose (Tricycle Press,1998) The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson No More Chairs by Dan Gill Where Oliver Fits by Cale Atkinson The Dot by Peter Reynolds The One Thing You'd Save by Linda Sue Park The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy I'm Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff Nancy's Favorites: Big Life Journal: A Growth Mindset Journal for Children and Big Life Journal – Growth Mindset & Gratitude Journal for Teens and Tweens Sticky Situations: 365 Devotions for Kids and Families and Sticky Situations 2: 365 Devotions for Elementary Kids by Betsy Scmitt You Get What You Get by Julie Gassman Brave Every Day by Trudy Ludwig My Secret Bully by Trudy Ludwig Fail-A-Bration by Brad and Kristi Montague Ninja Life Hacks series by Mary Nhin Julia Cook books (over 100 books on many social-emotional learning topics) Diane Alber books (over 100 books on many social-emotional learning topics) The Way I Feel, The Way I Act, and The Way I Feel Too by Janan Cain I Am Enough and I Believe I Can by Grace Byers I Can’t Wait! By Tim Elmore When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left by Marc Colagiovanni

    38 min

  4. MAR 26

    Self-Awareness and Your Parenting Superpower

    In this episode, Melissa Thorson, enneagram coach, mom of three, and Wesleyan's executive assistant to the head of school, shares how greater self-awareness can transform your parenting. Discover the unique strengths you bring to your family and simple ways to grow as a parent. Episode References and Show Notes: Suzanne Stabile's "Road Back to YouPeachtree Enneagram

    47 min

  5. MAR 12

    Maximize Your College Visit: Insider Tips from Admissions Pros

    In this episode, two seasoned college admissions officers share insider advice on how families can make the most of campus visits. They break down what to look for before, during, and after a tour, how to ask meaningful questions, and how to keep the experience low‑stress and productive. Whether you’re just starting the college search or deep into it, this conversation offers practical strategies for staying grounded, gathering helpful insights, and truly understanding whether a campus feels like the right fit.

    33 min

  6. FEB 26

    Faith Foundations: Cultivating a Servant's Heart in Your Child

    As Christians, serving others isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a reflection of Christ’s love and a response to His call to love our neighbors as ourselves. In this episode, we dive into the heart behind service: why we serve in the first place, how to keep our perspective and motivations in check, and practical ways to begin shaping a servant’s heart in your children from an early age. From simple, everyday opportunities—like helping a neighbor with small tasks—to fostering a mindset of compassion that could lead to future service on larger scale projects like mission trips, we’ll share ideas to make service a natural part of family life and a habit of your child's heart. Our guests are Jen Sheppard, Wesleyan's assistant director of Christian life for retreats and missions, and Ryan Jones, executive director of Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in Norcross, Georgia. You can learn more about Wesleyan's missions program and Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries offerings on their websites.

    32 min

  7. FEB 12

    Teaching Your Kids to Manage Money

    Financial literacy starts earlier than parents might think. In this episode, Wesleyan’s former CFO Billy Coxhead and Smith and Howard CEO Sean Taylor join us to talk about teaching kids to manage money. They share big-picture ideas for naming your family’s financial values and practical ways to help children put those values into action.

    44 min

  8. JAN 29

    Having Hard Conversations with Your Kids

    We all know that life can bring unexpected and challenging circumstances to navigate as a family. For some families, those challenges may be life altering: the loss of a loved one, a diagnosis that isn't great for a loved one, mom and dad have decided to divorce. These can be important and very intimidating conversations for parents, and we want to get them right. In this episode, we explore practical strategies and compassionate approaches for guiding children through these conversations, and for giving yourself grace in the process. From finding the right words to creating a safe space for emotions, we’ll share expert insights and real-life experiences to help parents feel prepared and supported during life’s toughest transitions. You can follow Rachel Menzoian's counseling practice on Instagram @refuelcounseling or on their website at www.refuelcounseling.com. Amy Barrett serves as one of Wesleyan's counselors for high school students, and she sees clients in private practice. You can find her online at www.newsongcounselingservices.com.

    41 min
See All (16)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Some Assembly Required: Because kids don't come with an instruction manual, is a podcast for real parents raising real kids. Hosted by two staff members at Wesleyan School, an independent K-12 school in the metro Atlanta area, the goal of this podcast is to provide practical things to consider when raising school-aged children. Guests will typically be one faculty member from Wesleyan paired with another expert on the topic we are discussing. Our hope is that anyone who loves school-aged children can use these resources, regardless of where you live or where your children attend school.

Information

  • Creator
    Wesleyan School
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Wesleyan School
  • Show Website
    Some Assembly Required

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