Pint Size Media The Lauren Edmunds Podcast

The Power of the 13th Voice: Communication and Curiosity in Supporting Children

Loading player...
In this episode of The Lauren Edmonds Podcast, Lauren explores the concept of the "13th voice"—the idea that people often need to hear something multiple times and from different perspectives before they are ready to truly understand and embrace it. Drawing on her experience as the owner of a special needs school in Johannesburg, Lauren highlights how this principle applies to parenting, education, and supporting children with remedial or special needs.

Lauren discusses the delicate balance between sharing observations about a child and avoiding overly definitive statements. She emphasizes the importance of speaking up with curiosity and kindness while fostering open communication among educators, therapists, and parents. By creating a network of voices and perspectives, we can help children and their families unlock new possibilities and discover paths forward.

Through thoughtful anecdotes and insights, Lauren encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, be patient, and understand the transformative power of consistent, compassionate communication. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about fostering growth and understanding in children.
3 Feb 2025 English South Africa Education · Self-Improvement

Other recent episodes

Patience and Praxis: Navigating the Non-Verbal World

Lauren Edmunds, the founder of a school for children with learning delays, discusses the importance of shifting away from adult-driven goals to better support neurodivergent children. She explains that adults are often so focused on their own schedules, such as getting to the shops or starting a maths lesson, that…
2 Mar 9 min

Making Therapy Work: Beyond the Weekly Session

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds explains that sending a child to a single weekly therapy session is like doing ten sit-ups on a Friday and expecting a six-pack. She suggests that for therapy to actually "pay off," parents need to view the therapist like a personal trainer; the real results…
23 Feb 5 min

Mistakes: Where the Learning Happens

Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, explains that mistakes are exactly where learning occurs. She warns that common phrases like "you can do better" can accidentally shame children, leading them to avoid challenges and stick to easy tasks just to get praise. To foster a…
16 Feb 2 min

The Art of Repair: Beyond Punishment

Lauren Edmunds, founder of a specialist school for children with learning delays, explores how to transform discipline into a lasting learning experience. Shifting the focus from shame to responsibility, Lauren explains why the "repair" of a mistake is more important than the mistake itself. By establishing a foundation of mutual…
11 Feb 11 min

The Power of the Morning: Regulation Over Education

Lauren Edmunds, a school founder specialising in learning delays, discusses how the "morning rush" can derail a child's entire school day. She explains that when children arrive dysregulated due to stress, screens, or a lack of connection, their brains are not "online" for learning, forcing teachers to spend hours calming…
5 Feb 10 min
All episodes