When your child says "I don't feel like I belong," your heart breaks a little. You want to fix it instantly, wrap them in love, and make everything better. But what if the answer isn't in fixing—it's in understanding that belonging takes time, intention, and sometimes uncomfortable growth?

In this deeply moving conversation with hope dealer Natasha Kollaros, MSW and Life Coach, we explore the real meaning of belonging and how to raise confident, resilient young people who can navigate the messy, beautiful journey of adolescence. Natasha brings years of experience working with students in both school settings and private practice, offering wisdom that feels like sitting with your most trusted friend.

The Heart of Belonging

Belonging isn't just getting invited to the party—it's being asked to dance. It's that moment when someone sees you, really sees you, and pulls you into their circle. But here's what we often forget: belonging doesn't happen overnight, and it requires us to show up authentically, even when it feels scary.

Natasha shares practical guidance for parents navigating everything from middle school friendship drama to high school transitions, reminding us that sometimes our children need permission to feel uncomfortable while they find their people.

Building Real Confidence

There's no magic pill for confidence—it's built through action, practice, and yes, even failure. We explore how confidence, competence, and connection work together like a wheel, each strengthening the other as our children try new things, practice skills, and build relationships.

From the soccer field to the classroom, confidence grows when we set goals, break them into manageable pieces, and celebrate the small wins that lead to bigger achievements.

Here's what you can expect to gain from this conversation:

• Understand the true meaning of belonging and how to help your child find their authentic community
• Learn practical strategies for building confidence through action and meaningful goal-setting
• Navigate social media challenges with wisdom about comparison and authentic self-presentation
• Support your child through transitions while maintaining emotional safety and connection
• Discover daily practices like word-of-the-week mantras and grounding rituals that build resilience

The Foundation That Matters Most

Perhaps most importantly, Natasha reminds us that social-emotional wellbeing is 1A, and academics is 1B. When our children feel emotionally safe and deeply rooted in who they are and whose they are, they can weather any storm and thrive in whatever environment they find themselves in.

This conversation will leave you feeling more equipped to support your child's journey while giving yourself grace in the beautiful, messy work of parenting.

You can follow Natasha here: https://www.instagram.com/nvkollaros/

Choosing the right educational path for your child feels overwhelming, especially when considering boarding school. The questions swirl endlessly - is my child ready? Will they thrive away from home? What kind of environment will truly help them grow?

In this episode, I sit down with Mary Pryor, Assistant Director of Admission at Christchurch School, a stunning Episcopal day and boarding school nestled along Virginia's Rappahannock River. Mary shares how their unique approach to education goes far beyond traditional classroom learning, using the river itself as a living laboratory for growth and discovery.

We explore how experiential learning transforms students from ninth grade through graduation, with hands-on projects ranging from oyster restoration to brook trout conservation. Mary reveals how their nationally ranked sailing program - placing fifth in the nation at championships - teaches far more than boat handling and racing tactics.

The conversation reveals the deeper magic happening at schools like Christchurch, where students don't just learn subjects - they learn to become. Mary walks us through their comprehensive support systems, including specialized programs for students with learning differences and innovative approaches to building confidence and resilience.

• How place-based education creates lasting transformation - From local creek restoration to understanding global environmental connections
• The real benefits of competitive sailing - Building leadership, managing failure, and developing mental resilience under pressure
• Supporting students with learning differences - Creating toolkits for success that extend far beyond high school
• What belonging truly looks like - How faculty create environments where every student feels seen and valued
• Signs your child might be ready for boarding school - Practical guidance for parents considering this significant step

Mary's insights about failure and resilience particularly resonate. She shares how sailors learn to "rinse out the sponge" after difficult races, developing the mental edge to bounce back from setbacks - skills that serve them well beyond the water.

As Mary beautifully explains, "We're cultivating a community that thrives on connection, building relationships... recognizing the dignity of every single person."

Whether you're exploring boarding school options or simply curious about innovative educational approaches, this conversation offers a window into how the right environment can help students discover their potential and find their place in the world.

Learn more here!! https://www.christchurchschool.org/