Jodie Maddox - Coach and Consultant

I PARTNER with parents and schools.

I EMPOWER them to make decisions within their sphere of influence.

I PROVIDE reliable support, with effective strategies, to gain desired results.

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This month, we're exploring the word 'transition' and what it means for those returning to school. Whether you're walking into your very first kindergarten class or moving into your first college dorm, the word 'transition' often carries its own set of challenges and emotions.

As an educator with over 30 years of experience—spanning roles as a special education teacher, elementary and high school principal, and now in higher education—I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless students navigate the back-to-school season. I’ve seen firsthand how exciting and challenging these transitions can be; especially during major milestones: Kindergarten, Middle School, High School and College. Each of these milestones represents a big shift in independence and growth, and with it comes new experiences—whether it’s meeting a new teacher, adjusting to a new schedule, or dealing with the reality of not having a close friend in your class.

In this month’s newsletter, we’ll hear from a veteran educator who experienced a year of fresh starts herself. I’ve also included a list of strategies to assist you and your child in transitioning smoothly back to school, aiming to make it easier and less stressful. Lastly, there is a list of recommendations on shifting technology use from entertainment to academics.

May your next few weeks be filled with the joy of anticipation, little to no drama, and numerous fun back-to-school memories and photos. Let's get this school year started!

With a grateful heart,

Jodie Maddox

Parent Coach and Education Consultant.

This month I’m excited to feature a wise, veteran mom and educator I have known and worked with for many years. Last year, she faced a whirlwind of change—her stepdaughters moved to a new state, both she and her husband were managing new jobs, and to top it all off, her teenage son made the big leap from eighth grade to high school.

The move to high school was likely the most significant change, as she had worked at his elementary school as a teacher for over 8 years. She had become accustomed to managing all the details and knew the specifics of his daily routine as well as his teachers. I asked her to share what she learned about supporting her son and managing his new high school life. Her reflection is packed with great takeaways for every age level, especially high school students. Enjoy!

1. Communication is Key
With my son in high school, I had to find new ways to communicate with him about his schedules, routines, and social life. Rather than managing all the details myself, I started relying more on him to share what was going on. We talked about his day and needs in the car, giving us a chance for open, informal conversations. I stayed connected through school emails and online grades, but I let him take the lead on sharing what he needed.

2. Coaching Instead of Enforcing
I began to shift from being the enforcer to being more of a coach. In past years, I had full access to his Google Classrooms, but as he entered high school, I stepped back. I realized I couldn’t protect him from every mistake. When he forgot his gym uniform at school (again!), I didn't go back to retrieve it for him. I let him deal with the consequences—like the stinky gym clothes—so he could learn from his actions.

3. Flexibility and Balance
Coaching helped him take ownership of his time management. He learned to manage his own schedule and had the freedom to figure out when to do homework or get ready for bed. By giving him more autonomy, I backed off and trusted him to handle it.

4. Enjoy the Ride
As a parent, I started to realize that my time with him in the car was limited. I began to enjoy those quiet, one-on-one moments driving him to and from school and activities. It’s a reminder of how quickly these years pass by!

5. Promote Independence
At first, I was nervous about him managing his own schoolwork and routines, but as the year went on, I saw him thrive with more independence. He took charge of his schedule, deciding when to work on homework, when to sleep in, and how to manage his time. I let go of some of the rigid rules and allowed him to make more decisions for himself.

Heather is a mom to two beautiful stepdaughters and her son. She has over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher and is now thriving in her next chapter of life as a lead instructor and education consultant for a well-known math curriculum. Her reflections show how transitions, though challenging, can also be opportunities for growth and independence. By coaching, communicating openly, and allowing for flexibility, we can help our children navigate change with confidence.

• Encourage Open Communication

• Visit the School

• Teach Relaxation Techniques

• Focus on What They Can Control

• Reflect on Past Successes

• Avoid Overpromising

• Don’t Make It a Big Deal

Technology gives our brains an instant hit of dopamine, which is why we, and our children especially, often prefer screens over books, conversations, or physical activities. It's time to shift from viewing screen time as downtime to using it as a tool for learning.

Many schools incorporate technology as an essential part of their curriculum to help promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and comprehension. Because students are using technology during their typical school day, it's even more essential to balance and limit screen time at home.

As we head into the school year, it’s important to unplug and shift away from constant digital stimulation. By minimizing screen time at home, we can help our children develop key skills that set them up for a more successful, balanced school year.

Here are a few tips to help manage screen time use during the school year:

• No Technology in the Bedroom: Keep devices out of the bedroom to promote better sleep and reduce distractions.

• Limit Tech for Emotional Comfort: Avoid using screens to soothe big emotions. Instead, encourage healthy coping strategies like deep breathing, taking a walk, doing a chore, or journaling.

• Minimize Blue Light Exposure: Turn off screens at least 2 hours before bed to help your child wind down and prepare for restful sleep.

• Buy an Alarm Clock: Teach your child responsibility by using a traditional alarm clock, rather than relying on phones to wake them up.

• Create a Homework Zone: Set up a quiet, tech-free area in the home for studying to encourage focus. If your child has a device from school, only allow it to be used in the HW zone for school-related items.

• No Video Games, YouTube, or Social Media During the Week: Limit or eliminate recreational screen time during the school week to ensure kids are staying on track with their schoolwork.

• Encourage Hobbies, Reading, and Activities: Don’t use tech time as a way to "wind down." Teach kids to read, work on a puzzle, go for a run, craft, cook, or watch a family show together. Avoid letting them "scroll" to unwind.

Setting boundaries for all technology can create a balanced routine that supports your child’s learning and well-being.

Why Invest in a Parenting Coach This Back-to-School Season?

As the school year approaches, investing in a parenting coach can be a valuable tool for your family, especially if your child is neurodiverse. Parenting coaching provides you with in-depth knowledge about ADHD, anxiety, and other neurodiverse abilities—understanding the symptoms, causes, and effects these can have on behavior. You’ll learn practical strategies to help calm emotions and encourage positive change. Coaching sessions offer a thoughtful, yet flexible approach to understanding your child’s struggles, behaviors, and needs. If your child is neurodiverse, let's connect! Together, we can empower your child to feel confident, embrace their strengths, and thrive this school year.

For a free consultation, contact me today at jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com

Whether you're supporting new teachers, guiding veteran staff, or training someone on your team to serve as an instructional coach, investing in coaching can have a profound impact on your school community. An instructional coach provides targeted support to enhance teaching practices, promote student engagement, and foster professional growth. With tailored coaching, teachers can build confidence, refine their skills, and implement proven strategies that drive student success.

An outside instructional coach brings an added benefit: administrators often don’t have the time or capacity to mentor and coach every staff member as needed. I can help fill that gap by offering personalized support for your educators, aligning with your school's needs and goals. By providing this focused support, we can ensure that teachers get the guidance they need to excel, and administrators can stay focused on the bigger picture while still fostering professional growth across the school.

Contact me today for your free consultation at jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com

Get ready to fuel, focus, foster, follow, and forgive your way to a new parenting peace. Are you looking for a parenting book with all the answers? Keep looking because this book is more about helping you discover and gain the skills, information, and inspiration you need to be the author of your story and set the course you desire for your family.

By recognizing and relying on your unique strengths, learning to manage the natural stages of child development, and focusing on what is important to you and your family, you can learn to parent your unique child and intentionally create the family you desire.

Prepare to expand your parenting toolbox, build confidence, and strengthen your child’s executive functioning skills. Learn to care for yourself, rely on your God-given strengths, and strategically create the family environment you’ve been dreaming of. To purchase a copy of my new book for $24.95, visit my website under the publications tab to order your copy!

Email: jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
Website: jodiemaddoxicoach.com
Phone: (913)908-8220
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