In a delightful twist, Scott Feld, the host of the Power Up Podcast, finds himself in the guest chair, as Christie Brinley and Stephanie Spangler take the reins. This episode dives deep into the journey of helping children step into their power and the origins of Scott's empowering universe.

The Spark Behind Power Up
Scott reflects on his rich history of working with kids, which has evolved into a structured approach to empowerment. Although he’s been helping children for over thirty years, he emphasizes that the focused mission of Power Up began only six years ago. The transition was fueled by the need to pivot during the pandemic when he closed his party company, Xtreme Fun!
The Inspiration for Dax to the Max
Scott's book, *Dax to the Max*, is inspired by his son and aims to equip children with tools to combat self-doubt. He candidly shares his own experiences growing up, illustrating how external circumstances can mask internal struggles.

> "The outside stuff covers up a suffering inside, and the suffering is the doubt and the worry." — Scott Feld

These reflections highlight the often overlooked emotional challenges children face, regardless of their seemingly privileged circumstances.

Practical Tools for Parents
In addressing self-doubt, Scott introduces concepts from his book, including "stink think" and "power pods." He explains that negative self-talk creates mental barriers, likening it to a blob that grows with each negative thought. The key to breaking this cycle is to replace negative affirmations with positive ones.

> "If we can say I can't over and over and believe it, we can also say I can over and over and believe it." — Scott Feld

Parents are encouraged to engage with their children, helping them recognize these patterns and shift towards empowering thoughts.

In this engaging episode, Scott, Christie, and Stephanie not only explore the challenges children face but also provide actionable insights for parents looking to foster resilience and confidence in their kids. For a deeper dive into Scott's journey and practical advice, tune into the full episode.

Exploring educational leadership and student empowerment in Chile.

In this week's episode of the Power Up Universe podcast, Scott Feld speaks with Josh Powell, the newly appointed head of school at Redland in Chile. Josh shares his journey from the UK to South America and offers valuable insights into fostering confidence and academic readiness among young learners.

Transitioning to Leadership
Josh's background is deeply rooted in education, having trained as a teacher in Manchester through the Teach First program. He transitioned into leadership roles in London, where he specialized in sixth form education. Now, as he steps into the role of head of school, he's embracing the challenge of overseeing all grade levels, from pre-K to 12. Josh expresses both excitement and nervousness about this new experience.

"The thing I was most nervous about was the junior school... Having specialized in 17, 18-year-olds, I had to be giving assemblies to four-year-olds and singing and telling stories."

Addressing Behavioral Challenges
Josh discusses the behavioral challenges schools are facing, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. At Redland, they've noticed a rise in students with special educational needs and a decline in behavior consistency. His focus this year has been on predicting and preventing negative behaviors while creating a supportive environment for all students.

Academic Preparedness
A significant concern for Josh is the academic readiness of students transitioning to secondary education. He emphasizes the importance of foundational skills in subjects like mathematics, noting that many students arrive unprepared.

"If you can't read and suddenly, you're confronted by thousands of words a day, that's hugely damaging to these students' confidence."

He advocates for early intervention and support to ensure that students build a solid academic foundation before advancing to higher grades.

The Role of Parents
Josh also highlights the critical role parents play in shaping their children's attitudes toward learning. He encourages parents to foster a growth mindset and to communicate the value of education positively. By reframing negative narratives surrounding subjects like math, parents can help instill confidence in their children.

"If parents are saying, 'I was terrible at math,' then kids will internalize that and think, 'I am bad at math.'"

Supporting Neurodivergent Learners
In discussing neurodivergent children, Josh underscores the need for inclusive practices that support all learners. By creating an environment where every student feels valued and capable, schools can help combat feelings of inadequacy that children may experience when comparing themselves to their peers.

As Josh steps into his new role, his commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and academically rigorous environment shines through. His insights remind us of the importance of building confidence in young learners and the impact that educators and parents can have in this endeavor.

Reflecting on Josh's journey and insights, it's clear that education is not just about knowledge—it's about nurturing the confidence and abilities of every student. To hear more about Josh's experiences and thoughts on education, listen to the full episode.

Key Topics

• Behavior analysis and assessments
• Masking and emotional regulation in neurodivergent individuals
• Goal setting and motivation for teens
• The importance of support versus approval
• Strategies for fostering independence and self-identity

Key Takeaways

• Masking is a coping mechanism, not a social skill.
• Goals should be specific, measurable, and owned by the teen.
• Building self-awareness helps teens make informed choices.
• Gradual skill development is essential for independence.
• Support from family and community plays a crucial role in success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Radhika Achari
01:11 Understanding Neurodivergent Challenges
04:09 The Importance of Parent Coaching
06:29 The Concept of Masking in Neurodivergent Individuals

Website: Analyze & ACT | Behavioral Coaching Rooted in Science
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