The School Can't Experience

In the first episode of the 2026 School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt discusses the challenges 'School Can't,' with the Directors of School Can't Australia, Tiffany Westphal and Louise Rogers and discuss some of the content of the new ebook, Understanding School Can’t published by School Can’t Australia in January.
Download a copy of the Understanding School Can’t ebook here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/minibook
We explore the early and often missed signs of School Can't, harmful but well-meaning advice, and why it's essential for parents and carers to invest in their own mental well-being. 

Our conversation explores stressors that impact children’s school attendance, building trust, self-regulation, and the importance of community support. 

Tiffany and Louise emphasise compassion, curiosity, and support for both children and their caregivers. 

00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast
01:57 Personal Summer Break Stories
03:08 Defining 'School Can't'
05:02 Distinguishing 'Can't' from 'Won't'
07:25 Early Signs and Patterns of School Can't
08:42 Parental Experiences and Insights
24:01 Common Stressors and Challenges
29:39 Effective Strategies and Support
32:29 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents
44:40 Final Thoughts and Resources

People & resources mentioned in this episode:
Download a copy of the Understanding School Can’t ebook here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/minibook
Dr Ross Greene, Lives in the Balance: https://livesinthebalance.org/
Shankar Self Reg - https://self-reg.ca/
Carers Gateway - https://www.carergateway.gov.au/
Send us a text
Support the show
School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved
If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you
You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected]
Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

You're invited to attend the virtual launch of School Can't Australia's new ebook. 
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/resource-launch-understanding-school-can-t-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers
Please help us plan content for next years episodes - send your feedback and ideas to [email protected] or send us a text.

Send us a text
Support the show
School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved
If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you
You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected]
Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast hosted by Leisa Reichelt. In this episode, Wendy, a high school teacher and foster parent, shares her story of caring for her foster son Jax, who has struggled with school attendance for several years.
Wendy shares the various challenges they have faced with the education system, their experiences with foster care, and their journey towards finding an appropriate learning environment for Jax where he is now truly seen, understood and supported. 
The episode also highlights the importance of understanding neurodiversity and advocating for children with special needs.
Content warning: the episode includes a mention of suicide. Please listen with care and reach out for support if you need it.
00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast
00:27 Introducing Wendy and Her Story
01:16 Wendy's Background and Family Dynamics
04:45 Challenges in the Education System
08:55 Navigating the Foster Care System
16:12 Breakthroughs and Progress
23:21 Finding the Right School
29:47 Reflections and Future Hopes
33:52 Closing Remarks and Resources

People & resources mentioned in this episode:
NSW In-Home Care - https://nswihc.org.au/in-home-care/
Your Child is Not Broken: Parent Your Neurodivergent Child Without Losing Your Marbles, by Heidi Mavir  - https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781035030576/
Send us a text
Support the show
School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved
If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you
You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected]
Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

In this episode, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Tanya Valentin, a neuro-affirming family coach from New Zealand. 
Tanya shares her journey of discovering her neurodivergence and her family's experiences with school burnout and autism. They discuss the challenges, grief, and shame faced by parents, and the transformative power of finding new paths to education and parenting. 
Tanya also talks about the resources and support available for families dealing with similar issues. Tune in to hear insights on breaking societal norms and fostering genuine connections with your children.

00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast
00:28 Meet Tanya Valentin: A Journey Through Burnout and Neurodivergence
02:53 Understanding Burnout: A Family's Struggle and Discovery
05:29 Navigating Parenting Challenges and Professional Advice
12:53 The Emotional Toll: Grief, Shame, and Transformation
41:34 Finding Support and Resources for Parents
45:57 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Tanya’s Resources

Tanya has a holiday support menu for parents, centred on the grief and emotional weight that can surface at this time of year.  The supports range from free to paid and are designed to meet parents across different needs and capacity levels.
You can find that here: https://tanyavalentin.co/holiday-support-menu/
And here is the link for parents who may wish to join From Burnout to Balance: https://tanyavalentin.co/parent-community/

People & resources mentioned in this episode:
Dr Anna Neff: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/
Dr Francis Weller: https://www.francisweller.net/
Dr Emmi Pickler: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmi_Pikler
Kristi Forbes: https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/
Dr Naomi Fisher:https://naomifisher.co.uk/
Send us a text
Support the show
School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved
If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you
You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected]
Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Pavlina McMaster, Coordinator at the Home Education Network to shed light on some common myths about Home Education, including: 
Myth #1:Home Education is a last resort
Myth #2: I have to work so don’t have time to Home Educate
Myth #3: I’m not smart/educated enough to teach my kids
Myth #4: Home Education restricts our kids future opportunities
Myth #5: Home Education kids miss out on social opportunities.
Useful resources:
Home Education Network (Australia) - https://home-ed.vic.edu.au/
Victoria Home Schoolers and Unschoolers Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/victorianhomeschoolersandunschoolers
Home Education NSW - https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeeducationnsw
Home Education QLD Inc. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeeducationqldinc
Home Education Tasmania - https://www.facebook.com/groups/876634649129826
Home Education WA (HEWA) - https://www.facebook.com/hewapage
South Australian Home Educators - https://www.facebook.com/groups/southaustralianhomeeducators
Home Educators Northern Terrritory Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1226268530873997
Home Education Canberra Facebook Group (ACT) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/165766030185476
Also search for Home Education Facebook groups in your city or local area. There are many!
Send us a text
Support the show
School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved
If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you
You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on [email protected]
Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.