Insights from Educational Leader and Author, Dr. Tania Farran

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 61

Introduction to Stress-Free IEP®

Welcome to the Stress-Free IEP® podcast, hosted by Frances Shefter, CEO and attorney of Shefter Law. This episode features Dr. Tania Farran, an esteemed educational leader and author known for her expertise in educational leadership and parenting. Dr. Farran has over 27 years of experience in education, balancing her professional and personal life with a passion for leadership, family, cooking, and self-care. More details and past episodes are available at Shefter Law.

Meet Dr. Tania Farran

Dr. Tania Farran is a distinguished figure in education and parenting. She is a successful business owner, a talented public speaker, and the author of eight books. One of her most popular works, Raising the Well Adjusted Child: A Parent’s Manual, offers practical advice and tips for parents. Dr. Farran’s expertise has made her a sought-after guest on numerous podcasts and audio events, and she actively engages with audiences on her own virtual wellness show and LinkedIn.

The Educator’s Journey

Dr. Farran emphasizes her identity as an educator, a role she has cherished throughout her career. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, a Master’s in Administration from Lindenwood University, and a Doctorate of Education from Missouri Baptist University. Her journey from classroom teacher to educational leader reflects her unwavering commitment to teaching and learning.

Highlights from Raising the Well Adjusted Child

Dr. Farran’s book, Raising the Well Adjusted Child, addresses the unique needs of each child, acknowledging that every child’s journey is different. The book covers a wide range of topics, including discipline, consequences, structure, and routines. It serves as a parent’s manual, offering guidance on partnering with schools and supporting academics at home. The book is designed to be revisited as children grow and progress, with reflective questions at the end of each chapter to help parents adapt their strategies.

Balancing a Professional Life

In addition to her work with Creative Living Ideas, Dr. Farran is a virtual middle school principal. She transitioned from a traditional school setting to a virtual environment four years ago. This change has allowed her to provide flexible and personalized education to students who thrive outside the conventional classroom. Virtual learning offers unique advantages, such as extended time for assignments and fewer disciplinary issues, making it a viable option for many families.

The Importance of Communication and Partnership

Dr. Farran emphasizes the significance of communication between parents and schools. Building relationships with teachers, principals, and office staff can create a supportive environment for children. She also highlights the importance of parents supporting academics at home, creating a partnership that enhances the child’s educational experience.

The Role of Self-Care in Parenting

Dr. Farran and Frances Shefter discuss the challenges of balancing parenting and self-care. Both agree that it is crucial for parents to prioritize their well-being to be effective caregivers. Dr. Farran shares her personal experience of learning to manage her time and responsibilities, and the importance of setting boundaries to protect family time.

Parent-to-Parent Support

Dr. Farran hosts weekly LinkedIn rooms, called Parent to Parent, where she discusses various topics related to parenting and education. Recent discussions have included mental health, motivation, and managing screen time. She also offers a parent-to-parent talk series based on her book, providing parents with direct support and resources.

Upcoming Summits

Dr. Farran organizes two major summits each year: the Work Life Balance Summit in October and the Virtual Wellness Experience in March. These summits feature presenters from around the world discussing topics such as financial organization, entrepreneurship, social media, family dynamics, and health and fitness. These events aim to provide valuable insights and strategies for achieving balance in personal and professional lives.

Practical Tips for Parents

Dr. Farran offers practical advice for parents to improve their daily interactions with their children:

Phones Down, Eyes Up: Take time to put away devices and engage in meaningful conversations with your children.

Express Love and Appreciation: Regularly tell your children what you love about them and why they are special. These affirmations can have a lasting positive impact on their self-esteem and well-being.

Final Thoughts

Parenting is a continuous learning process, and it is essential to adapt and grow with your children. Dr. Farran’s insights and experiences provide valuable guidance for parents striving to raise well-adjusted children. By prioritizing communication, self-care, and partnership with schools, parents can create a supportive and nurturing environment for their children.

FAQs

  1. What is Raising the Well Adjusted Child about?
    • Raising the Well Adjusted Child is a parent’s manual that offers practical advice and tips for raising children. It covers a wide range of topics, including discipline, consequences, structure, and routines, and emphasizes the unique needs of each child.
  1. How does Dr. Tania Farran suggest balancing parenting and professional life?
    • Dr. Farran emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and prioritizing family time. She also suggests practical strategies like setting aside specific times for work and family and ensuring that parents take time to recharge.
  1. What are the benefits of virtual learning according to Dr. Farran?
    • Virtual learning offers flexibility, personalized education, and fewer disciplinary issues. It allows students to learn at their own pace and provides extended time for assignments, making it a viable option for many families.
  1. What are Dr. Farran’s tips for effective communication with children?
    • Dr. Farran suggests putting devices away and engaging in meaningful conversations, regularly expressing love and appreciation, and explaining actions and behaviors to help children understand and grow.
  1. What topics are covered in the Parent-to-Parent sessions?
    • The Parent-to-Parent sessions cover a variety of topics related to parenting and education, including mental health, motivation, managing screen time, and supporting children’s learning at home. These sessions provide practical advice and create a supportive community for parents.

Learn more about Dr. Tania Farran:

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Stress-Free IEP®: 

Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.

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Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter:

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