The Lauren Edmunds Podcast

Repair Is Where Children Grow

Lauren Edmunds reflects on how children learn through mistakes and why natural, fair consequences help them build responsibility, resilience and confidence. She argues that repair, rather than punishment, strengthens connection, encourages awareness and supports healthy development at school and at home.

3 Dec 11 min

Inside the Learning Brain: What Truly Switches Children On

Lauren Edmunds explores what it means for a child to have a “switched on” brain and why real learning starts from within. She shares powerful insights from her work with children, including those with additional needs, and explains how motivation, safety and connection help children think, grow and engage more…

24 Nov 11 min

Reimagining Homework: Building Habits, Not Battles

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds explores why traditional homework often fails children with learning delays, ADHD, or modern short-attention-span brains. She unpacks the real purpose of homework, why parents often resist it, and how focusing on small, consistent daily steps can transform learning. Drawing on her work with families and…

17 Nov 9 min

The Art, Not the Business, of Education

Lauren Edmunds reflects on why education should be guided by creativity and care rather than commercial goals. Inspired by Rick Rubin’s thoughts on creating for art’s sake, she draws a powerful link between artistry and teaching, reminding us that schools are human spaces, not businesses. When teachers bring their whole…

10 Nov 3 min

Building Learners

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds talks about what it really takes to help children become independent, motivated learners. She shares stories from classrooms around the world and reflects on how teachers can shift from controlling to collaborating, creating spaces where children take responsibility for their own learning. Lauren also touches…

3 Nov 8 min

The Power of Routine: Helping Children Transition Smoothly

Lauren Edmunds explores how consistent routines can help children, especially those with ADHD or autism, manage transitions and build emotional regulation. Drawing inspiration from James Clear’s Atomic Habits, she explains how “habit stacking” and predictable sequences, like bedtime or morning routines, create calm, confidence, and a sense of safety for…

27 Oct 8 min

Term 4 Exam Preparation: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Studying

With Term 4 bringing exams for children who are in Grade four and up, Lauren Edmunds offers practical advice for parents. She suggests setting up a study workspace at home to signal the importance of the process, and working with your child to experiment with study techniques like the Pomodoro…

20 Oct 9 min

The Power of Getting It Wrong

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds unpacks how our attitudes towards failure can either limit or empower our children. Inspired by Jessica Lahey’s The Gift of Failure, she reflects on the lessons we unintentionally teach when we take over tasks, and how allowing children to struggle builds resilience and confidence. Through…

13 Oct 8 min

Switched-On Brains: Helping Children Find Their Own Drive

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, shares her thoughts on what it really means for a child to have a “switched-on” brain. Through the story of a 10-year-old non-verbal boy on the autism spectrum, she shows how powerful things can happen when…

9 Oct 11 min

Learning Through Failure

Lauren Edmunds explores the value of mistakes and failure in a child’s learning journey. Drawing on research and practical examples, she shows how setbacks can spark curiosity, strengthen thinking skills, and open opportunities for growth. Instead of labels or fixed traits, failure becomes a pathway to deeper learning and resilience.

1 Oct 11 min

The Power of Curiosity in Children’s Learning

Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, reflects on how curiosity shapes learning and development. Drawing on research and her own experience, she shares why asking questions matters, how adults can encourage it, and why curiosity is key to unlocking a child’s potential.

22 Sep 13 min

Rethinking Reward Systems

Lauren Edmunds explores the limits of star charts and external rewards, highlighting the importance of intrinsic motivation, awareness, and growth mindset in helping children build lasting skills and independence.

15 Sep 6 min

It Starts With You: Parenting and Self-Growth

Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, talks about her journey as a parent and educator. She shares why real change begins with adults first, and how looking after ourselves helps us raise stronger, healthier children.

8 Sep 9 min

Why Reading with Your Child Matters More Than Ever

Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, reflects on the profound impact of daily reading. She explores how something as simple as 20 minutes with a book can nurture vocabulary, connection, emotional well-being and resilience in children. Touching on modern challenges such as screen time, parental…

2 Sep 7 min

Rethinking School: Why Skills Matter More Than Grades

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds talks about the gaps in our education system and what happens to children who don’t fit the mould. She shares why repeating a year isn’t failure, the difference between learning content and building real skills, and how approaches like Montessori can open new doors. It’s…

18 Aug 9 min

Beyond Bullies and Victims: Understanding Behaviour as Communication

Lauren Edmunds unpacks the language we use around bullying, urging a shift from labels to deeper understanding. She explores how all behaviour—whether aggressive or anxious—is a window into a child's emotional world, and how support, not stigma, helps both the struggling and the hurt to grow into stronger, more resilient…

11 Aug 8 min

The Words That Calm: Speaking Safety to Children

Lauren Edmunds reflects on a powerful lesson learned during her daughter’s seizures—how changing her words from instruction to reassurance transformed the moment. She explores the impact our language has on helping children feel safe and supported, especially in times of distress.

4 Aug 2 min

Supernova Thinking: Reframing ADHD with Ivana

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds speaks with Ivana, founder of the pop-up restaurant concept NaanSense, about living, learning, and thriving with ADHD. Together, they explore the idea of ADHD not as a disorder but as a divergent way of thinking—an energetic “supernova” that, when understood and supported, becomes a powerful…

21 Jul 37 min

Finding Your Own Path: A Conversation with Ryan Brewer

In this heartfelt episode, Lauren Edmunds chats to Ryan Brewer about his journey through school struggles, discovering cricket, and living with type 1 diabetes from a young age. Ryan shares candid stories of feeling like an outsider, finding his place through sport, and learning to stand firm in who he…

16 Jul 55 min

Honoring Children’s Special Interests

Lauren Edmunds shares why it’s so important to meet children exactly where they are, especially when they have strong, singular interests. Instead of trying to change them, she encourages us to see these passions as safe spaces — and gently help children build new skills from there. A warm, thoughtful…

7 Jul 9 min