The IEP process can feel impossible to navigate—especially when no one teaches parents what to ask for, what their child is legally entitled to, or how to push back when a school district cuts corners. In this episode of The Mom Panel on BTDubs Podcast, Jackie, Michelle, Jill, and Tiesha break down what families need to know about special education, IEP meetings, and school evaluations, including why a quick screener isn’t the same as a full assessment and how federal special education law impacts what schools must provide.

Michelle shares real-world insight from her first client IEP meeting and explains key concepts parents hear all the time—like FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), Child Find, LRE (Least Restrictive Environment), accommodations, goals, and what meaningful progress should look like. We also talk about how parents can get “wait and see” or “we don’t see it at school” responses, why kids can mask behaviors in the classroom, and why documenting concerns matters.

Plus, the conversation expands into real-life parenting: screen time, behavior changes, how technology affects kids’ frustration tolerance, and how overwhelmed parents can still find ways to show up for their child’s needs—without shame.

If you’re a parent of a child with learning differences, ADHD, autism, behavioral challenges, or you’re simply wondering whether your child needs support at school, this episode will give you language, confidence, and next steps.

In this episode, we cover:

• What to expect in an IEP meeting and how to advocate for your child
• Screeners vs. full evaluations (and why assessments matter)
• How to request an evaluation using Child Find
• IEP goals, progress monitoring, and what schools are required to do
• General education vs. resource support vs. special education settings (LRE)
• Screen time, behavior, and why kids act different at home vs. school

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Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at: BTDubsWithJackie@gmail.com

Welcome to The Mom Panel, where real moms talk about the wild, the weird, and the wonderful sides of parenting. 💕

In this week’s episode, we meet Auntie Taibella — a hilarious, outspoken, and inspiring woman who decided to become a mom completely on her own. Her journey through IVF, embryo adoption, and solo motherhood is equal parts funny, raw, and jaw-dropping. From unexpected twists to laugh-out-loud moments, this episode proves there’s no single path to family.

🎙️ Watch if you love:

Real talk about fertility and motherhood

Stories of women doing it their way

Laughter, honesty, and a sprinkle of chaos

✨ Topics you’ll hear:

What it really means to adopt an embryo

How she found courage to start her family solo

Why motherhood doesn’t have one definition

The funny and emotional truths behind IVF life

Join hosts Jackie, Michelle, Jill, and Tiesha as they welcome Auntie Taibella into the Mom Panel circle for one unforgettable conversation full of heart and humor.

Follow us on Instagram at: The_Mom_Panel for a chance at winning a $25 giftcard to www.taibellabamboo.com

Today's Show Links:

Auntie TaiBella's Website:
www.taibellabamboo.com

Find her on Facebook Group: Tai Bella Bamboo

TikTok: TaiBellaBamboo

WhatNot App: https://whatnot.com/invite/taibellabamboo

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#TheMomPanel #SingleMomByChoice #EmbryoAdoption #FunnyMomPodcast #MotherhoodUnfiltered #IVFJourney #PodcastForMoms #MomHumor #ParentingPodcast #WomenEmpowerment #TheMomPanelPodcast #MomLifeUncensored

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at: BTDubsWithJackie@gmail.com

Feeling guilty for wanting five minutes alone? Same. In this candid Mom Panel episode, Jackie, Michelle, Jill, and Tiesha get real about mom guilt and the essential role of me-time in preventing burnout. We talk bedtime routines that create breathing room, early-morning resets, realistic micro breaks (hello, 10-minute walk), and reframing self-care as the fuel that makes you a better parent and partner—not a selfish act.

You’ll also hear a sweet peek into family traditions (Rosh Hashanah, apple picking), how to prep siblings for a new baby with 1:1 time, and why two things can be true: you love your kids deeply and you need a break. We close with a reminder that you matter—your mental health, your marriage/partnership, and your identity beyond motherhood.

What you’ll learn

• How to reframe me-time so it actually reduces guilt
• Micro me-time ideas that fit busy days (5–15 minutes)
• Bedtime and morning routines that create consistent breathing room
• Making space for your partner and each child without adding hours to the day
• Signs you’re overdue for a reset (impatience, snap responses, simmering burnout)
• Simple language to explain early bedtimes/daylight changes to kids

Callouts from the convo

• “Two things can be true: devoted mom and me-time.”
• “If you don’t pause, burnout does the pausing for you.”
• “Me-time is how I show up better for my family.”

Resources mentioned
– Weekly therapy/care hour as a standing appointment
– Early bedtime windows for kids to protect adult recharge time
– 10-minute walk + quick friend call = fast nervous-system reset

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at: BTDubsWithJackie@gmail.com