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 Bio

Chris 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.

Great teachers know that setting high expectations leads to greater student achievement—and the same is true for parenting! In this episode, I sit down with Emily Gromoll, Chief Learning Officer of⁠ R.E.A.L. Discussion⁠ and mom of three young boys (ages 9, 6, and 4), to explore the research behind high expectations.

We’ll break down:
✔️ How to set high (but realistic) expectations for your child
✔️ The balance between motivation and perfectionism
✔️ Practical ways to scaffold your child’s experiences for success

Whether you’re navigating school challenges, building independence at home, or just wondering how to encourage your child without pressure, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for parents of all ages. Plus, teachers will love the references to Jeff Cohen, David Yeager, Carol Dweck, and John Hattie!

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to help your child rise to the challenge!

A former History teacher and instructional coach, Emily's career in education has focused on how to design learning environments and nontraditional pathways for all students to succeed.

For resources mentioned in this podcast, check out bowbendconsulting.com

Bios:

Until her recent retirement, Laura Arledge taught Pre-First and First Grade at The Westminster Schools for 25 years. After earning a BS-ED and MED – Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia, she began her career by working in elementary education for five years in the Gwinnett County Public School System. She then joined the preschool programs at Peachtree Presbyterian Church and The Cathedral of St. Phillip while starting her family. During her time at Westminster, Laura has been recognized as an outstanding member of the faculty, respected by her peers and loved by her students. She received the Schoen Family Award in recognition for her passion displayed in working with children and their families, and the School Family Award for Excellence in Teaching. In addition, Laura completed special instruction and training in the Reggio Emilia teaching method held at the prestigious Loris Malaguzzi International Centre in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Laura and her husband enjoy traveling, cooking, college football and spending time with their family, five sons and six grandchildren.

Tiaya Daniels is an educator with experience teaching grades K-8. She is passionate about developing her students' language and literacy skills, in particular. Tiaya has a vast wealth of knowledge relating to professional learning, having taught in Atlanta Public Schools and various private schools globally, including in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, and Singapore. Tiaya recently completed her doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a focus on collective teacher efficacy and continues to advocate for best practices for the unique needs of her students.

In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Frame, a veteran fourth-grade educator and fellow elementary school mom, to break down what makes fourth grade unique. We dive into:
✅ The social shifts and friendship challenges that define this stage
✅ The growing independence of fourth graders (and how to encourage it)
✅ What’s normal behavior for this age—and when to step in as a parent

Whether your child is thriving or struggling socially, this conversation will give you insight, reassurance, and practical strategies to help your fourth grader navigate this exciting year.

🎧 Tune in for expert advice, real-mom experiences, and a deeper understanding of your fourth grader!

As parents, when you're trying to teach your child to tie a shoe, load the dishes, shake hands with your colleague, or remember to pack their violin for school the next day, you're working with children who are in the proximal zone.

But what even is this fancy term? How can it help me parent better? And by the way, is pressure a bad thing? What is the importance of play? And how do we know if our children are in the right zone for learning? Find out in this episode!

Ted Sadtler serves as a Spanish teacher and Middle School Director of Teaching and Learning at The Westminster Schools, where he has been for 26 years. Ted leads division-wide professional development initiatives and engages faculty in a 1:1 coaching relationship. He holds a B.A. in Spanish from Radford University, an M.A. in Spanish Literature from The University of Georgia, and a variety of coaching certifications through IECL and Leadership Systems.

In this episode, veteran educator Maryellen Berry from Whitefield Academy shares how the best teachers respond when kids fall short—not with shame or lectures, but with strategies that build accountability, trust, and character.

If you’ve ever wondered how to hold your child accountable without crushing their spirit, this episode is for you. Real stories, practical tools, and a whole lot of hope await.

Tune in and learn how to turn mistakes into momentum.

This episode features special guest, Cynthia Swanson, from Westminster's Middle School in Atlanta. Cynthia is the Director of Teaching and Learning and also teaches Latin.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-swanson-2540bb20b

https://www.westminster.net/

Episode Summary:
If you’ve got a rising or current 6th grader, this episode is your survival guide.

Middle school teacher and mom Lauren Davis knows sixth grade inside and out—from the locker struggles to the lost homework to the friendship drama. In this high-energy, deeply practical conversation, she shares exactly what sixth graders are really like, how their brains and social lives are changing, and what parents can do to support growing independence without taking over.

Inside this can’t-miss episode:

• What actually helps kids take ownership of their schedule and materials

• How to teach communication and self-advocacy in real, doable ways

• When (and how) to talk with your middle schooler after school

• Common parent traps—and how to avoid them

• The one strategy she wishes every parent would try with their 6th grader

With humor, empathy, and classroom-tested insight, Lauren equips parents with both mindset shifts and practical tools to thrive through the middle school years.

This week on What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, I sit down with Wrenn Baldwin from the Wardlaw School at Atlanta Speech School to talk all things neurodiversity, particularly dyslexia and dysgraphia, and how early pink flags might be worth paying attention to.

We cover:
✔️ How to spot early signs of neurodiversity in preschool & early elementary
✔️ How to support big feelings and reduce family stress
✔️ Why collaboration between parents and teachers is key
✔️ How to advocate for your child with confidence
✔️ Tools schools use that can also work wonders at home

Whether your child has a diagnosis or you just have questions, this conversation will help you feel empowered, hopeful, and equipped to raise a thriving child of character.

With warmth, wisdom, and insight drawn from years in the classroom (and her own parenting journey), Shazeen shares what really goes on in the minds and hearts of seventh graders. You'll walk away with practical advice, developmental insights, and the reassurance that you're not alone in navigating this exciting (and sometimes baffling) stage of parenting. 

Shazeen currently serves as the 7th Grade Chair at The Westminster Schools, where she has taught for 12 years. She also teaches Algebra. Shazeen holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Emory University, graduate degrees from Georgia State University and Lincoln Memorial University, and she is pursuing a doctorate in education at Johns Hopkins University, focusing her research on cumulative low math achievement and mindset. Shazeen also serves on the Board of Trustees at Trinity School. Outside of work, Shazeen has two children and enjoys playing pickleball, traveling, and cooking.

From shifting social dynamics and growing independence to emotional development, character building, and the ever-evolving role of technology, this conversation offers invaluable insights for parents navigating this season with their children.

Discover practical ways to support self-advocacy, encourage a love of reading, and help your child learn from mistakes—all with the wisdom of teachers who truly understand this transitional year.

Ashley is an Atlanta native who likes to call herself a global citizen. She has lived overseas 3 times in her life and constantly strives to learn and grow. A graduate of The Lovett School and The University of Virginia, Ashley pursued a career in sports marketing and the Olympics for 12 years until she moved into education. For over 20 years Ashley has worked with children, families and teachers in High School, Middle School, public school and private school in order to support student growth and learning. Ashley taught at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut; The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia and returned to The Lovett School in 2023 as the Assistant Head of Middle School for Teaching and Learning.

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.

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

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

Christine's Bio:

Christine grew up in North Andover, MA with her parents Tony and Joyce and brothers Anthony and Eddie. She was very shy when she was young and spent a lot of time reading. Throughout her childhood Christine loved animals, especially elephants. People started to buy them for her as a collection. Her grandparents, Eddie and Ginger, as well as her parents would bring her back lucky elephants from their trips. Throughout her childhood Christine always enjoyed trips to the beach with her family and grandparents.

In 2006 Christine graduated from Merrimack College with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Elementary Education. In 2008 she received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Merrimack College. Christine would then go on to teach elementary school for the next 13 years. Her favorite part of the day was reading to her students. It was during reading time that she connected with her students through books. They learned, laughed and felt a range of emotions together. Christine decided that she wanted to write her own book for students to engage with, while learning and laughing. Since elephants have always been her favorite animal, she found it fitting to include them in her story. In 2017 Christine traveled to Africa with her mother and husband where she was able to see elephants living in the wild, which was always a lifelong dream. Many of the elephants were playing in the water and seemed to be having fun as they appear to in her book.

Christine and her husband John have 3 children- Joey, Nick and Adeline and a dog named Sophie with whom she loves to read with. They laugh at her stories and enjoy trips to the beach together as a family.

Today's episode dives into four power strategies that teachers learn to proactively manage behavior. Add these four tools to your parenting toolbox and wrangle your kids like a pro.

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!”

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 motivation
• The difference between protecting your child and unintentionally limiting them
• How to help your child develop a clear sense of identity and vision
• Chanita’s Liberation Equation™:
• Simple ways to build independence—from toddlerhood through high school
• Why failure is essential for growth and confidence
• How to use questions (not commands) to unlock your child’s thinking
• A 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.

In our second episode, Kindergarten teacher Laurie McRae does just that. Find out some great ways to set your kindergartener up for success.

Dr. Nixon explains how parents are a vital component of the school community, and how a shared purpose—focusing on the child, the school's mission, and its core values—is the key to a strong partnership.

In this episode, we'll dive into practical strategies for becoming an effective "village member." Dr. Nixon will share advice on things like how to handle difficult situations with grace, including when and how to send that email when you're upset.

We'll also explore what you should expect from a great school, and what to do if you aren't getting the support you need. Dr. Nixon reminds us that we are all on the same team and that a little humility goes a long way. This episode is packed with insights to help you build a better partnership with your child's school so they can truly thrive.

Dr. Nixon Bio:

Dr. Regina Nixon is, above all else, a teacher and a lifelong learner. She sees herself not as an expert in all things—but as an expert in learning, reflection, and growth. With a career spanning classroom teaching, educational technology, admissions, and school leadership, Regina brings deep experience in building inclusive, joyful learning communities.

She currently serves as Head of Lower School at Cannon School in North Carolina, after holding several leadership roles in Concord, Massachusetts and previous schools before. Across every role, Regina is known for centering children, nurturing belonging, and helping others grow.

Regina holds a B.S. in Elementary Education, an M.A. in Instructional Technology, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. But ask her what she’s most proud of, and she’ll tell you: “Each day, I get to learn from our students the meaning of you belong here. Our students live our core values each day and it inspires me and keeps me coming back.”

For more resources, check out Bowbend Consulting's website: https://bowbendconsulting.com

In this episode, discover secrets of classroom management that every parent can steal. Expert educator, Kristin Orsini, shares top tips on building relationships, providing structure and routine, and not fighting nature.

Get ready for the holidays, and never fear when you've got a house full of children, Kristen's strategies will have parents ready for anything!

Mentioned in this episode:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Graphic Novels

The Week

Bridge to Terabithia

*Note, I earn a small commission from Amazon purchases if you use these links.

Katherine explains how multilingual classrooms help students become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural—and why research shows that kids in these programs often outperform their peers academically. Parents will learn:

• What dual language and bilingual classrooms look like day-to-day

• How to support your child even if you don’t speak the second language

• Why bilingualism strengthens the brain and fosters empathy and belonging

• How parents and teachers can partner for multilingual success

Whether you’re raising a preschooler or a high-schooler, this episode will expand your understanding of language learning, inclusion, and character development at home and at school.

Listen to discover how bilingual education builds not only stronger students—but more connected humans.