When a child does not feel understood at school, the impact goes far beyond academics.

In this episode, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Joie Laykoff are joined by Jodie Patterson to examine what emotional safety really looks like for students. They discuss how traditional school environments can fall short, especially for students navigating identity, and what it means for a child to feel connected and accepted.

The conversation explores how parents can begin to understand behavior as communication, how to support children who are trying to figure themselves out, and how to recognize when a school environment may no longer be the right fit.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at how belonging and understanding shape a student’s ability to learn and grow.