As a licensed Marriage and  Family Counselor, author and public speaker, Roya Dedeaux hears lots of ‘mom’ stories. The one she’s most proud of is the story of her own mother, Pam. Pam and her siblings as well as her mother, Roya’s grandmother, were all educators.  Education and learning was always a topic of concern whenever they got together.   So when Roya’s mom said she wanted to ‘unschool’ Roya and her sisters, the girls were all very confused.

Roya was just finishing up 4th grade and mom said  “I’m not sending you back to school next year.” Well you can imagine the confusion amongst the siblings, especially Roya who was going to be starting 5th grade.

Mom was determined to make this work and pleaded, ” just trust me for 3 months, if you don’t like it, you can go back to school.” 

I am not an expert by any means, but what I do know is that ‘Unschooling’ is all about encouraging your child or children to pursue their passions and follow their dreams, whatever they may be. For example, if your child loves animals or marine life, study animals and marine life-take them to zoos and aquariums, do projects-indulge them in their interests. And the same is true for any interest or field of study. “Supporting your children’s interests, helps promote better mental health and fulfilled Relationships,” believes Ms. Dedeaux.

This project of unschooling worked extremely well for my guest. Roya started taking college classes at the age of 13-always taking classes that she was interested in and she had full support from both her father and her mother. She says this was ” a celebration of doing things differently, always keeping an open mind about possibilities.”

This process encourages and engages kids because these are topics of interest not mandatory subjects of study where tests are required.

The bottom line is that it requires full attention from the parent and your children are happy. Make every adventure and  trip a hands on learning experience-as though learning through osmosis.

Roya had no interest in going back to school after a short time and says “my mom gave me to myself forever with her decision to unschool us.” 

With many many years of higher education, Roya and her sisters are all very happy with the lessons their mom taught them. Roya refers to her mom as “a  pioneer,” and is so grateful to her mom for the tough decisions that she made when the girls were young.

“Connect With Courage-Practical Ways to Release Fear and Find Joy In The Places Your Kids Take You,” is Ms. Dedeaux’s most recent book.

I hope you enjoy this episode of SHLTMM.

Roya Dedeaux can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.

LINK FOR ROYA’S BOOK- 

“CONNECT WITH COURAGE: Practical ways to work through fear and find joy in the places your kids take you.” 

https://www.royadedeaux.com/product-page/connect-with-courage

Catch episodes of SHLTMM Podcast now on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoUWxgQECqrMqI1ylVH9Dpw

Jackie Tantillo and Should Have Listened To My Mother Podcast are honored to  announce that they have been Nominated in three categories for the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Awards. The three categories are “Best Female Hosted” Podcast, Kids & Family Category and Society-Culture  Category.  We will keep you updated as to the final results for 2024.

“Should Have Listened To My Mother” is an ongoing conversation about mothers/female role models and the roles they play in our lives. Jackie’s guests were open and hones and  answer the question, are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother and so much more. You’ll be amazed at what the responses are.

Gina Kunadian wrote this 5 Star review on Apple Podcast:

SHLTMM TESTIMONIAL GINA KUNADIAN JUNE 18, 2024

“A Heartfelt and Insightful Exploration of Maternal Love”

Jackie Tantillo’s “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast is a treasure and it’s clear why it’s a 2023 People’s Choice Podcast Award Nominee.  This show delves into the profound impact mother and maternal role models have on our lives through personal stories and reflections.

Each episode offers a chance to learn how different individuals have been shaped by their mothers’ actions and words. Jackie skillfully guides these conversations, revealing why guests with similar backgrounds have forged different paths.

This podcast is a collection of timeless stories that highlight the powerful role of maternal figures in our society.  Whether your mother influenced you positively or you thrived despite challenges, this show resonates deeply.

I highly recommend “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast for its insightful, heartfelt and enriching content.

Gina Kunadian

“Should Have Listened To My Mother” would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In 2028/2019, in getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal stories of their relationship with their mother, for better or worse and what they learned from that maternal relationship. My guests and I 

Some of my guests include Nationally and Internationally recognized authors, Journalists, Columbia University Professors, Health Practitioners, Scientists, Artists, Attorneys, Baritone Singer, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Activists, Freighter Sea Captain, Film Production Manager, Professor of Writing Montclair State University, Attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist,  Property Manager, Chefs, Self Help Advocates, therapists and so many more talented and insightful women and men.

Jackie has worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. She has interviewed  many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.

A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created the logo for “Should Have Listened To My Mother”.

Check out our website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/

Or more demos of what’s to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo

Find audio versions of the podcast here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/60j14qCcks4AP3JUrWrc2M

Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

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Jackie Tantillo Podcaster

Jackie Tantillo loves being on both sides of the microphone –as Voice Over Artist and Producer/Engineer and in front of the camera as an On Camera Talent. She has been featured in National and International On Camera and Voice Over Commercials and Industrials. Over the years, she has mentored students with an interest in production and broadcasting and has volunteered with elementary school aged children in theatre production. Jackie is able to draw from her many years as a spokesperson and radio talent to bring warmth and insight to her many endeavors, including representative for organizations such as D.A.R.E., March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy and Easter Seals. A mom and the youngest of seven siblings, Italian American born in Rota Spain, Jackie or ‘Juani’ as her family and friends call her, comes from a very close knit family. Her knowledge of conversational French, Italian and Spanish has broadened the scope of her work. She lives in New Jersey and loves spending time with her family in the outdoors and traveling.