What do children need before they are truly ready to learn? In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Dr. Aimee Ketchum and Dr. Crystal Loose welcome Dr. Bryan Pearlman, author, mental health therapist, educator, and former school principal, for a conversation about the foundations children need to thrive in school and in life.

Drawing on his experience in education and mental health, Dr. Pearlman explores how influential theories of child development can help parents, educators, and professionals better understand children’s behavior and learning. The conversation examines the importance of meeting children’s emotional and developmental needs before expecting academic success, the role of trauma-informed practices, and how cognitive behavioral therapy can support children’s mental health.

Dr. Pearlman also discusses ADHD, including concerns about over-identification and the influence of technology, and shares the perspective behind his book ADHD Is My Superpower. He explains the work of the Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness and offers practical strategies educators can use to help children feel safe, supported, seen, and ready to learn.

This episode is a reminder that supporting the whole child isn’t separate from education—it creates the foundation that makes learning possible.

Connect with Dr. Bryan Pearlman:

Website: BryanPearlman.com
STL Mental Health: STLmentalhealth.com
X/Twitter: @drp_principal
Facebook Group: Maslow Before Bloom
Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness: DSMHW.org